Latest news with #AnBordPleanála
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Planning refused for more than 800 apartments on Cork's former Tedcastles and new Marquee site
Plans for one of Cork City's largest residential developments have been refused by An Bord Pleanála. Tiznow Property Company Limited sought planning in 2022 to construct 823 apartments on Centre Park Road and the Marina. Spanning almost five hectares, the site, which is the current location of Cork's Live At The Marquee and seasonal theme park, Funderland, is located just two kilometres from the city centre. The proposed development included plans to demolish an existing building to make way for 823 apartments across six blocks with a maximum height of 35 storeys. The homes were to comprise 282 one-bedroom apartments, 414 two-bedroom apartments and 127 three-bedroom apartments. It also included plans for a series of commercial units to be used as cafés, restaurants and pubs, as well as seven retail units, a library, a medical centre, a post office, a pharmacy, a dentist and two new childcare facilities. The plans also include a provision of four new pedestrian bridges from the former Tedcastles Yard to the Marina, which would have included the removal of 13 existing car parking spaces on the Marina to facilitate pedestrian connection to existing infrastructure. The proposed development also included a total of 278 car parking spaces and more than 1,700 bicycle parking spaces. The large-scale residential scheme would have been part of one of Ireland's largest regeneration projects, located at Cork City's docklands, in which almost 150 hectares of land is to be redeveloped over the next 20 years. It is estimated that the scheme will accommodate a population of 25,000 and a workforce of almost 30,000 by 2040. Development also included plans for a series of commercial units to be used as cafés, restaurants and pubs, as well as seven retail units, a library, a medical centre, a post office, a pharmacy, a dentist and two new childcare facilities. However, An Bord Pleanála's decision means the ambitious plans will not be going ahead, with the board refusing permission for the development in accordance with the inspector's recommendation. In its ruling, it said the site had a stated objective to provide for schools, educational facilities and related developments, and that the current plans for the site would "prejudice the future provision of educational facilities within the Cork Docklands area." "The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," An Bord Pleanála said. In addition, the board said the development, because of its design, scale, bulk and mass, would be "visually obtrusive when viewed from various viewpoints in the immediate vicinity as well as from views city wide and the surrounding hinterland of the city." It added that the design of the apartment blocks would "seriously detract from the visual amenities and character of the area and would not constitute an adequate design response to the context and opportunity of this site." Read More Plans for more than 120 homes in Ballincollig refused by An Bord Pleanála
The Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
An Bord Pleanála raised concerns over use of ChatGPT for inspector's report into Limerick plant
AN BORD PLEANÁLA removed one of its inspectors from deliberations on a controversial expansion of a large steel plant in Limerick following concerns that a report was being written with the help of ChatGPT. A spokesperson for the State body told The Journal that the report was scrapped 'out of an abundance of caution' as its board members felt the use of artificial intelligence (AI) had the potential to 'raise concerns about the integrity of the decision-making process' for the report into Aughinish Alumina, near Foynes on the Shannon Estuary. An Bord Pleanála also 'advised all staff that the use of unapproved technology was strictly prohibited' in the wake of the incident. The file was then re-assigned to a new inspector for fresh consideration, with the second inspector's report sent to a 'newly constituted' board to decide on. This board granted planning permission to expand Aughinish Alumina's waste storage at the site in March. It was the second time the development had come before An Bord Pleanála, with the High Court previously quashing its decision to expand the site following objections by environmental groups. However, the use of AI now forms part of a challenge by Limerick-based environmental group Environmental Trust Ireland in its bid to halt the expansion of the site. The Aughinish Alumina plant near Foynes Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo A spokesperson for An Bord Pleanála told The Journal that it learned that the 'unapproved technology' was used for 'editing and formatting certain aspects' of a report after the employee reported their use of ChatGPT. In a lengthy statement, An Bord Pleanála said the incident 'raised the need to improve the policy' relating to the acceptable use of technology such as artificial intelligence. Access to AI software was also disabled on An Bord Pleanála systems in response to the discovery, the body's spokesperson said. 'The incident reaffirmed the need for bespoke GenAI technology specifically designed for the requirements of An Bord Pleanála,' the spokesperson added, pending the development of a digital strategy with guidelines for use of the advanced AI programmes. The spokesperson said that this work was already underway since the appointment of a new director of digital strategy last year. Major employer with Russian links A major employer in the mid-west, Aughinish Alumina employs 450 people on its 222-hectare site. The plant is owned by Russian metals company Rusal, which was co-founded by Oleg Deripaska. Deripaska, who is still a shareholder in Rusal, is an industrialist who is reported to have had close ties to Russia president Vladimir Putin. Advertisement In 2018, Deripaska was placed on a US sanctions list and the UK government also announced sanctions against the oligarch in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The businessman is well-connected in Russian politics and business, and was pictured earlier this month at the Kremlin in Moscow for a ceremony ahead of World War II commemorations. Rusal co-founder Oleg Deripaska addressing a meeting of the Bank of Russia's financial congress last year. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Aughinish Alumina has been looking to expand its disposal area for bauxite residue – an ore from aluminium, also known as 'red mud' due to its copper colouring. The site's expansion plans have been the subject of legal challenges over recent years, with the High Court quashing previous planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála. The amended planning application that received approval in March included findings from An Bord Pleanála stating that the development 'would not have significant negative effects on the environment' if given the go-ahead. This permission has now been challenged by two environmental groups – Environmental Trust Ireland and Futureproof Clare – in separate judicial reviews lodged this week. Environmental Trust Ireland, which is represented by Limerick firm Hayes Solicitors, has taken a case which it is understood is partly based on the alleged concerns raised internally within An Bord Pleanála. In the planning authority's board minutes from last October for the Aughinish refinery's expansion – seen by The Journal – it records that it was 'brought to the Board's attention that certain parts of the Inspector's report may have been written following interaction with an external technology system', later referring to ChatGPT. However, it is understood that Environmental Trust Ireland is challenging whether the inspector remained involved in the process after the AI use was flagged, referring to later minutes for An Bord Pleanála's March meeting to discuss the refinery's expansion. While the inspector was listed in later minutes, An Bord Pleanála has stressed to The Journal that the individual was not involved in the case after November 2024. It is understood that an admin error may have resulted in the confusion. Environmental claims The judicial review taken by Environmental Trust Ireland is one of two filed this week against the expansion of the refinery's disposal area the red mud waste. A group called Futureproof Clare has taken the other, separate case. It is represented by FP Logue solicitors and The Journal understands its arguments are based around the environmental impact of the expansion. The plant has capacity at its bauxite residue disposal area (BRDA) until 2030 and the new extension will extend the lifetime of the BRDA up to 2039. The proposed development would increase the height of sections of the disposal area by 12 metres. It would bring the total height to 44 metres. The company has maintained that it can't continue production unless its waste facility is expanded. Aughinish Alumina did not respond when contacted for comment. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Business
- Extra.ie
Stark warning: Dublin faces citywide water shortages within five years
Uisce Éireann has warned water shortages will hit 'all customers' in Dublin in 'the next five years' due to 'critical' infrastructure issues. The chief executive of the utility, Niall Gleeson, has written to Housing Minister James Browne seeking 'an urgent meeting' over the matter. Mr Gleeson fears a multibillion-euro proposal to pump water from the River Shannon into the Greater Dublin Area to meet growing demand could be delayed for several years by planning objections from environmentalists. Housing Minister James Browne. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins He pointed to plans for a new wastewater plant that was expected to be operational this year, but now won't be delivered until 2032. In correspondence released to under Freedom of Information legislation, the Uisce Éireann boss said that issues with the supply of water in Dublin have become so dire that a drought in the Liffey today would result in immediate water restrictions. has previously revealed that thousands of new homes in Dublin are at risk because Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) needs tens of billions in investment. Niall Gleeson. Pic: Sasko Lazarov / © But the delivery of new homes is not the only serious problem emerging from Ireland's creaking water infrastructure. Mr Gleeson said the issues will affect 'not just the new housing targets but current and future foreign direct investment' in Dublin and across the country. He wrote: 'Significant population and economic growth over and above forecasts in the GDA (Greater Dublin Area) in the last three years means that there will be a shortage of water for all customers within the next five years. Greater Dublin. Pic: Getty Images 'This shortage can only be adequately addressed by prioritising the delivery of the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region (WSP).' The WSP will see water from the Shannon piped 170 km through counties Tipperary, Offaly, and Kildare to a reservoir at Peamount in Dublin, connecting into the GDA water supply network. The Department of Housing estimates that the project could cost over €10 billion. But Mr Gleeson has raised fears the WSP will run into significant planning delays. He referenced the Greater Dublin Drainage Project (GDD), which provides for a new wastewater treatment plant in Clonshaugh. The office of An Bord Pleanála in Dublin. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos It has been in planning for six years, with the original consent quashed 'on one ground only, over which Uisce Éireann had no control', and which related to a consultation between An Bord Pleanála and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This, he said, was 'a direct consequence of the overly complex multiple consenting regime in Ireland' The planning application was lodged in 2018, and the project was expected to be 'complete and operational by 2025'. However, he added: 'As a result of the ongoing planning delays, we now believe that, at best, the project may be delivered and operational by 2032.' Mr Gleeson then warned that he fears the same problems will befall the WSP. He said: 'Given the issues experienced on the GDD project, we are concerned that the WSP will suffer similar delays and will be tied up for years in the consenting processes.' However, a spokeswoman for the EPA said that An Bord Pleanála had not fulfilled its obligations to seek the agency's views on the DDP. She told 'The judgment in this case did not identify any shortcomings or omissions by the EPA. Uisce Éireann has submitted an application to the EPA, which is currently under review. 'A final decision will be made by the EPA on this licence once the necessary planning decision has been made.' A spokesman for Irish Water said the supply in the GDA is on a 'knife edge'. He said this may result in 'water conservation orders (hosepipe bans) or supply restrictions', particularly during periods of drought/high demand. He added: 'This is an unsustainable situation and is a symptom of the critical need to develop a new source of supply.' On housing, Mr Gleeson said it is estimated that to meet housing targets of 50,000 units per year, Irish Water would need an additional € 1.7 billion in a 'nationally multi-annual ring-fenced fund for housing and growth'. He added: 'Our projects are of national importance and without them there will be significant curtailment of the State's housing programme despite our best efforts'. A spokesman for the Department of Housing said that 'while there are risks to water supply until the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project is completed in the early 2030s, Uisce Éireann will take all possible action to maintain supply and support new connections'.
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Plans for more than 120 homes in Ballincollig refused by An Bord Pleanála
An Bord Pleanála has refused permission for more than 120 homes in Ballincollig due to the development's inappropriate mix of dwelling units. Cork developer O'Flynn Construction Company lodged plans in May 2022 to construct 123 apartments and a creche on a one-hectare site on the Old Fort Road in Ballincollig. The apartments would have been spread across three blocks, ranging from three to six storeys in height, comprising a mix of one- and two-bed units. The plans also included a childcare facility, an internal residential amenity space and a multi-purpose amenity room. Some 98 car parking spaces were also included in the plans, along with 272 bicycle spaces. However, the Board decided to refuse permission for the development, per the recommendation of the inspector, declaring that it "materially contravenes" the Cork City Development Plan. Objective 11.2 of the development plan sets out the proportion of one-, two-, three- and four-bed units that are necessary for an urban town development with more than 50 planned dwellings. According to the Plan, 25% of the proposed dwellings must have three bedrooms, while 10% should have at least four bedrooms. The report said the plans lodged by O'Flynn Construction Company did not include any dwelling exceeding three bedrooms. Of the 123 apartments proposed, 32% were marked as one-bed, with the remaining 68% comprising two-bed units. Computer-generated view of the 123-apartment development planned by O'Flynn Construction on Ballincollig's Old Fort Road. "The Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 sets out clear unit mix requirements to be adhered to, except in exceptional circumstances when justification is provided and flexibility is provided according to the ranges specified," An Bord Pleanála said in its decision. "The applicant did not provide a justification for the unit mix proposed." Before its current application, O'Flynn Construction Company received planning from the board in 2020 for the development before it was challenged in the High Court by a local residents group. The court overturned the board's permission decision in favour of O'Flynn Construction Company after finding the board failed to comply with planning and development regulations concerning the screening of projects.
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Construction contract for first BusConnects corridor to be signed next month
The construction contract for the first new bus corridor under the BusConnects programme in Dublin is due to be signed next month, according to the National Transport Authority (NTA) . Construction of the first two corridors had been due to start this autumn, but it is understood the NTA now expects to be in a position to move forward at an earlier stage. The first corridors to get under way will be the Liffey Valley to city centre route and the Ballymun/Finglas to city centre scheme. Representatives of the NTA, including its interim chief executive Hugh Creegan , will appear before the Oireachtas Transport Committee on Wednesday. READ MORE They are due to tell the committee that planning consent has been received from An Bord Pleanála for all 12 BusConnects corridors, though judicial reviews have been initiated against some of these approvals. [ Final BusConnects corridor secures planning permission Opens in new window ] The construction contract for the first corridor is to be signed in June, their opening statement to TDs says. The construction of all of the 12 corridors could impact on more than 700 properties, according to the latest estimates from the NTA, with more than 3,000 trees potentially felled and 827 parking spaces lost. Separately, the NTA will tell the committee that work is ongoing to 'further develop and refine the design' of MetroLink and to prepare tender documentation for the three major contracts that will deliver the overall project. 'It is understood that the Government will be considering the MetroLink project during the preparation of the new National Development Plan,' the NTA's opening statement says. [ Dublin's new bus routes: How are you affected by new services replacing 46A and others? Opens in new window ] 'Assuming its inclusion in the new national plan, then, subject to approval by An Bord Pleanála during this year, and assuming no delays due to judicial review proceedings, tendering for the construction work could commence next year, with construction commencing about 18 months later.' The NTA will also say the construction of Luas Finglas is dependent upon 'the outcome of the planning process and the availability of funding under the new National Development Plan'. A railway order application was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in November 2024.
