Huge interest in Dunne’s D4 plan sees rare hearing

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Developer Sean Dunne’s high-rise plans for Ballsbridge will be subject to a preliminary oral hearing next week. An Bord Pleanala will hold the session in an attempt to streamline the process in advance of a full public examination of the developer’s project. The holding of a preliminary hearing is a rare move by the planning board. It is designed to cope with the unprecedented levels of interest in Mr Dunne’s proposals. “I can’t remember the last time we would have had one,” a Bord Pleanala spokesperson said. “What normally happens is that, in relation to an oral hearing, the inspector, with the board’s authority, would outline the agenda.” A letter from the board states: “Due to the large number of third party appeals and observer submissions received, the board has decided to hold a preliminary meeting prior to the commencement of the substantive oral hearing in the appeal.

The Evening Herald