Dublin city councillors say they are "frustrated" at the continuing stream of Strategic Housing Developments (SHD) going for planning.
Neither elected representatives or council officials have any say in the large-scale developments which bypass local authorities and go straight to An Bord Pleanála.
Although the SHD mechanism is finished for new applications, there are still a number of such proposed developments in the planning system.
North inner city councillors say they are opposed to plans for 162 build-to-rent apartments on Prussia Street, Stoneybatter, which involves a 13 storey tower.
A special SHD meeting for the area committee heard that councillors had a number of objections including the fact they are build to rent and the height involved.
However because of the SHD regulations they have no power to alter the plans.
"It is incredibly frustrating for councillors. It's not as if we are ignored, we have absolutely no say," said Independent Councillor Nial Ring.
Randelswood have applied to An Bord Pleanála for permission for the development of apartment blocks ranging from 3 to 13 storeys at 23-28 Prussia Street which will include a pedestrian and cycle access to the TU Campus at Grangegorman.
Beside this site at 29b, 30 and 31 Prussia Street, another development entity - Viridis Real Estate Services and Prussia Properties - have applied to build 236 student bedspaces in three blocks ranging from 5 to 7 storeys.
This would also include a pedestrian/cycle access from Prussia St to TU Grangegorman.
Meanwhile permission has already been given for the demolition of the Park Shopping Centre at 42-45 Prussia Street and the construction of 584 student bedspaces and 29 build-to-rent apartments in blocks up to eight storeys high over a new District Shopping Centre.
It will also have a new street from Prussia Street to Grangegorman.
