17^th July 2003

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY BACKS BORD PLEANALA APPEAL AGAINST BOOTERSTOWN APARTMENTS

The Green Party has backed local residents in Booterstown in their Appeals to An Bord Pleanála against the decision to grant permission for apartments beside the Booterstown Bird Sanctuary. The site is located between the Rock Road and the sea, just North of Booterstown Bird Sanctuary.

The proposed apartment development straddles the county boundary between Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and is the subject of several appeals to An Bord Pleanála, the Planning Appeals Board. Both Dublin City Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council have granted permission for the parts of the proposed development that fall within their jurisdictions.

The apartments are five stories high plus a penthouse and contain fifty-five surface car parking spaces, and fifty-four car parking spaces underground.

“The lands are zoned open space,” stated Ciarán Cuffe TD: “I also feel that the site is to close to the bird-marsh and could threaten the wildlife in this area. I also would hate to see the view of the sea from the Rock Road being obstructed by apartments.

“The site adjoins a Special Protection Area and National Heritage Area as and the proposed development could threaten rare, endangered and vulnerable habitats, flora, and fauna.

“Of course we need more housing, but not on such a precious piece of open space. I have made Observations to An Bord Pleanála, seking the refusal of permission for the proposed development”

(NOTE. The Planning Permission is being appealed by the Glenamena and Woodbine Residents Association .

ENDS/