New planning guidelines to allow the construction of high-rise buildings have "opened a space for developers whose Celtic Tiger excesses and irresponsibilities had drastic consequences", the Dáil has heard.
During Leaders' Questions today, Independent TD Maureen O'Sullivan raised questions about the implications of Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy supporting the decision to increase the height of buildings in Dublin.
Earlier this month, An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the construction of a 22-storey tower on Tara Street. The high-rise building had been originally turned down by Dublin City Council.
A company run by high-profile developer Johnny Ronan first applied to build the 'skyscraper' on the banks of the Liffey in 2017.
Ms O'Sullivan said: "This was a decision that was made without any regard for the setting, the impact on land value, any sense of home or quality of life.
"It has opened a space for developers whose Celtic Tiger excesses and irresponsibilities had drastic consequences in many areas including housing."
"The permission was given to Tanat which is controlled by property developer Johnny Ronan for a 22-storey tower on Tara Street."
She said that she has received letters between developers and ministers under Freedom of Information.
She said that a lot of information was redacted but one quote stood out: "Height limits are compromising Dublin's ability to respond to the housing crisis."
She said that this 22-storey building is going to do nothing to address the crisis.
The Dublin North Central TD was critical was of the way control of an important part of the city, the north and south lotts, has been given to developers.
"Do we never learn. We will be left with uninspiring glass cages and no communities, no houses, no homes. Where is the real creative vision for Dublin with people at the core of that vision? Not egotistical, profiteering developers with abysmal track records when it comes to quality of life for communities and ordinary people," she said.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he would expect the city council to take into account all factors in planning. He said that he supports the policy of higher developments in our cities.
He said that rather than sprawling out, our cities should grow up. He said that more dense development is right in terms of our response to climate action as it means less commuting, people spending less time in their cars and more time with their families.
Citing examples of Chicago, San Diego and Barcelona, he said that there are high density cities that have a good quality of life and good transport.
He said that all factors need to be taken into account by planners but he is not opposed in principle to high density cities.
