3423/22

PROTECTED STRUCTURE: Retention permission for development at Aras Mhic Dhiarmada, Store Street, Dublin 1. The development consists of the removal of telecommunications equipment (previously granted permission under Dublin City Council Pl. Ref. 2321/08) and installation of replacement telecommunications equipment and all associated site development works on the rooftop. The development will continue to provide high speed wireless broadband and data services. Aras Mhuic Dhiarmada is a protected structure.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The development constitutes a visually obtrusive and dominant form that causes serious injury to the special architectural character, detail, and legibility of an internationally significant 20th-century Protected Structure (Busáras) and the surrounding Conservation Area.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • Busáras is a building of 'International' significance and is considered an inappropriate location for prominent telecommunications infrastructure that detracts from its architectural integrity and skyline.
  • While the technical need for infrastructure is acknowledged, the Inspector concluded that the proposed equipment is visually obtrusive and fails to comply with heritage conservation policies BHA 2 and BHA 9 of the operative Development Plan.
  • The granting of permission would set an undesirable precedent for insensitive developments on significant protected structures and would fail to protect the character of the surrounding Red-Hatch Conservation Area.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Policy CHC2Policy CHC4Objective Z5Section 15.18.5Section 11.5.1Policy BHA2Policy BHA9Section 15.15.5

Decision Document Summary

The application seeks retention permission for telecommunications equipment (including antennas, radio link dishes, and ancillary works) on the rooftop of Aras Mhic Dhiarmada (Busáras), Dublin 1. Designed by Michael Scott and completed in 1953, the building is a Protected Structure of international significance and the first major modern building of architectural merit in the city. The appellant, Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited, argued the site is essential for network coverage and noted that ...
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View the appeal at An Bord Pleanála