Residents of a north Dublin town have slammed plans to build apartments on the site of a beloved pub, saying it will turn the area into a "concrete jungle".
Plans have been lodged with An Bord Pleanala for permission to build 172 apartments and a creche on the site of the 350-year-old Lord Mayor's pub in Swords.
The project is a Strategic Housing Development which means developers Jacko Investments Limited can bypass Fingal County Council and apply directly to ABP under fast-track planning rules.
Many locals have expressed concern about the plan on social media, saying the area is already struggling to cope with heavy traffic.
Michelle Marke Bonass said: "It's a shame. Can't imagine how much more busy the traffic will be at that entrance with 176 apartments going in."
She continued: "I think the location isn't great for cramming more apartments in.
"There's no denying that they are needed but perhaps a better location could be found for them?"
Many residents agreed with her, saying the plan would be a "disaster" for the town.
Sylvia Smyth said: "It’s a terrible shame, concrete jungle and the traffic is bad enough already."
Nicola Smith added: "Awful to see it go plus the traffic will be even worse."
While Amy Mulligan said: "Absolute disgrace! That part of the town is a disaster with traffic as it is!"
But other residents backed the proposal.
"Also the traffic won’t be much worse that when it was an active pub with people coming and going.
"More density is what is needed in town centres not less. If the pub was viable it would have continued trading.
"This is what progress looks like folks. I for one am in favour and hopefully with the development to help sort out that junction."
Full details about the plan can be found here.
