Plans by Iput to demolish the existing IDA global HQ at Wilton Place and construct a seven-storey building in its place to accommodate between 3,500 to 4,000 workers is facing strong local opposition.
Dublin City Council gave the plan the go-ahead last month but eight appeals, including one from An Taisce, have since been been lodged against the decision at An Bord Pleanála.
Iput is the largest domestic owner of prime office buildings in Dublin’s central business district and has net assets of €2.4 billion.
The Pembroke Road Residents’ Association is one of the parties opposing the Wilton plan. The residents say that recent office block developments have already brought 3,000 office workers into the Upper Baggot Street area, adding that it does not make sense to further aggravate traffic congestion and pressure on schools.
The residents’ association states that, in recent years, Baggot Street has had a number of office developments “plonked” down without consideration of the cumulative effect on the local neighbourhood.
Triangular park
An Taisce says the proposed development involves an excessive level of intervention into the historic triangular green park,Wilton Square.
The city council gave the plan the go-ahead after concluding that the proposed development would upgrade one of the most prominent locations in the city. The planner recommending approval said the proposal exhibited a distinctive contemporary design which would make a positive contribution to Dublin’s urban fabric.
After almost 35 years at Wilton Place, the IDA is relocating its global HQ to Three Park Place on Upper Hatch Street in Dublin 2.
A decision is due on the appeals by An Bord Pleanála in June.
