A proposed new housing development near Phoenix Park poses a security threat to President Michael D Higgins, it has been warned.
Planning files show the Office of Public Works has raised an objection to plans to build houses and apartments on a 0.35 site at Blackhorse Avenue in Dublin, which is next to the park’s Cabra Gate entrance.
The OPW, which is responsible for the management of Europe’s largest urban public park, said it had “serious concerns” over the safety of President Higgins, who lives at nearby Aras an Uachtarain. It also expressed concern about the impact on park users as well as the potential to affect the area’s walls which are protected structures.
The scheme provides for 33 four-bedroom, semi-detached houses and a four-storey apartment block following the demolition of two existing single-storey buildings. The park’s chief superintendent Margaret Gormley said Aras an Uachtarain’s security could be compromised.
She added the OPW had been advised by gardai that side elevations of the apartment block looked out onto the park and people on certain floors could see directly into Aras an Uachtarain’s grounds.
Ms Gormley said: “It will considerably limit the public’s enjoyment of the park at this location due to being totally overlooked by residents from the apartment block.”
Gardai said the development allowed views of the internal walkway within Aras an Uachtarain that posed “inherent risks to the safety of the President”, while daily movements of presidential vehicles could also be observed.
Dublin City Council has sought further information from co-developers Lark Finance and SM Blackhorse before making a decision on whether or not to grant planning permission.
