The company with plans to redevelop the historic Moore Street site has lodged judicial review proceedings against Dublin City Council after councillors voted to designate six buildings as protected structures.
A number of the buildings included in UK company Hammerson's plan where directly involved in the 1916 Rising. Under the plans, the buildings would be partially or fully demolished.
Hammerson plan to redevelop a 5.5 acre site which stretches from the old Carlton cinema on O'Connell Street to Moore Street, Henry Street and Parnell Street. At the time of the Council vote to designate the buildings, a subsidiary of Hammerson, Dublin Central GP Ltd, complained it was unlawful and improper interference with the planning process.
Read more: Drimnagh school confirms refugees temporarily housed there have moved out
This week, the same company lodged judicial review proceedings against the council. DCGP said they have been "compelled" to take legal action to "protect" their interests against what they believe to be "unlawful actions".
A spokesman for the company told the Irish Times: “Following careful consideration in consultation with its advisers, DCGP has been compelled to take this action to defend and protect its interests, including substantial investments already made, against what it believes are inappropriate and unlawful actions taken by Dublin City Council in adding the six structures to the Record of Protected Structures (RPS).”
DCGP’s proposals “for the regeneration of this important 2.2ha (5.5 acres) site in Dublin’s north inner city represents an opportunity to sensitively rejuvenate this historic part of the city, while ensuring its long-standing traditions and important heritage can be retained and celebrated”.
Stephen Troy of Troy's family butchers, who have been operating on the street for generations, blasted the developers over their legal challenge. He said: "The absolute brass neck of these developers to legally challenge elected Dublin City Councillors who have endeavoured to protect our history, heritage and for us, the livelihoods of generational traders who have kept Moore Street alive throughout their downgrading policy."
Read next:
East Wall office block refugees 'cried for four days' when they arrived
Attacks on Gardai 'quite bad' but guns aren't the answer, says Dublin MEP
'I travelled through Dublin Airport during cold snap mayhem - here is what you need to know'
Government issue statement on schools opening amid 'bitter' cold snap
To get the latest news to your inbox, sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter.
