Portobello office block would ‘devalue’ area

DuBLIN City Council has refused planning permission for a five-storey office block in Portobello, over concerns the proposal would have on the area and on the protected structure, Portobello house, which overlooks Dublin’s Grand Canal.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik was among its objectors.

Portodev Ltd lodged plans in January for the five-storey over lower ground level scheme including a cafe at ground floor level at Richmond Street South, Dublin 2.

The scheme involves the demolition of 12, 34-35, 36 and 37 Richmond Street.

In its refusal to Portodev Ltd, the council stated that the scheme’s scale and form would seriously injure the architectural character and also the unique setting of Portobello house.

It also refused permission due to the height and scale of the scheme stating that it would undermine the urban grain of the area.

“The development would seriously injure the setting and appreciation of the protected structure at Portobello house, along with the character, value, setting and amenities of the red-hatched conservation area,” said the council.

objections to the office development were made by

Labour party leader Ivana Bacik, the Rathgar Residents Association, as well as individual residents.

Ms Bacik, who is a tD for Dublin Bay South, said she was “concerned to see the proposed construction of office blocks in this location, given our current housing and homelessness crisis”.

Ms Bacik said there are “multiple vacant and underutilised office complexes already available”, and priority