Developer Bryan Cullen has been granted planning permission by Dublin City Council for a controversial plan to build an apartment complex on the former Enable Ireland land in Sandymount, Dublin 4.

Dublin City Council received 24 objections to the proposal to build 42 apartments and four townhouses in three blocks fronting Sandymount Avenue.

The land was sold by Enable Ireland last year by tender for over the guide price of €9 million. The site is bounded by Gilford Avenue to the east and is within 300 metres of Sandymount Dart station and 600 metres from the Merrion Road.

Objectors were mainly residents from Sandymount Avenue, as well as a handful from nearby Wilfield Road, Castle Road and Durham Road. Sandymount and Merrion Residents Association and Green Party TD John Gormley were among those who objected. Their concerns included the traffic implications of a separate entrance to the site on Sandymount Avenue, which residents say will exacerbate rush hour congestion. The height of the apartment blocks - which rise to four storeys - was another issue. They believe the "overbearing" nature of the proposed development will change the character of Sandymount Avenue and tower over nearby buildings and houses, causing overlooking. Dublin City Council granted permission on condition the public open space is planted and made easily accessible to the public and separated from the remainder of the site by a wall .