PLANNING PERMISSION HAS been granted for 49 units of housing in Dublin’s north east inner city, despite significant concerns raised by by TDs, councillors and local residents – including Olympic star Kellie Harrington – over the loss of a playground and sports pitch.

Local councillor Nial Ring told The Journal that he expects the decision to be appealed to An Board Pleanála.

The planned development from Dublin City Council and Tuath Housing, an Approved Housing Body, features a mix of two-story houses, duplex apartments, and apartment units across three blocks on a site on Portland Row in the city centre.

The application was lodged in June of this year, and received 36 third-party submissions. Many of these took issue with the planned development for a number of reasons, with the main concern being the loss of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) – a sports pitch and playground – at Aldborough Place, that has been long-present in the community.

The space was regenerated in 2014,  and then-Dublin Central TD Paschal Donohoe attended a public re-opening.

Those taking issue with the proposed loss of the amenity included Dublin Central TDs Marie Sherlock and Gary Gannon, councillors Nial Ring, Janice Boylan, Daniel Ellis and Malachy Steenson.

Their submissions also welcomed the plans for new housing in the area, stating that it was much-needed, but took issue with the specific development, specifically for the loss of the MUGA.

Local sports clubs, and numerous residents living in the area, including two-time Olympic Gold Medallist Kellie Harrington, also submitted third-party observations.

Issues raised in some of the other submissions included concerns about the over-development of the site, a perceived lack of appropriate public consultation, the height of one of the proposed blocks and the effect it may have on other homes in the area, potential anti-social behaviour, along with others.

In their report, the planner for Dublin City Council noted the concerns raised in the submissions. In relation to the MUGA space, the planner noted that Tuath had proposed a new multi-use community and cultural space within the new scheme, which would be accessible to residents and the community.

As well as this, Dublin City Council submitted a letter committing to upgrading a nearby MUGA space on nearby Dunne Street, that would offset the loss of the space on Aldborough Street.

“The Planning Authority acknowledge the concerns raised by the local community in relation to the loss of the MUGA playing field. It is confirmed that Dublin City Council Housing Department have committed to an upgrade of the adjacent multi use games amenity,” the planner stated in their report.

The planner also referenced statements made by the design team of the proposed development, which said that the current MUGA pitch is “seemingly underused”.

It is locked for the majority of the time for security purposes, and must be booked in advance. Its lacks good passive surveillance and does not provide an easily accessible play facility for local residents.

The council initially asked for additional information from the applicant, before granting permission for the works this week, subject to a number of conditions.

Commenting on the decision, Independent councillor Nial Ring said there would be a strong community response.

“Look at the depth of the opposition, as seen in the observations submitted,” he said.

The planners don’t seem to be listening to the local people. It’s their future they’re talking about. Everybody wants housing but the north inner city isn’t going to be dumped on again.