A decision is due today on an application to build a two-storey shop on Waterford's quayside. If approved, the development is likely to prove highly controversial.
Campaigners, who failed three years ago to prevent the siting of a Bus Eireann station on the quays, claim the quays are in danger of being destroyed by piecemeal commercial development.
The developers, June and Brendan Darrer, who own Dooley's Hotel, were involved in the campaign against the bus station. Their proposed development comprises a retail building and car-park on the site of a disused petrol station on the river side of Meagher's Quay.
In a letter to Waterford Corporation objecting to the proposal, Mr Des Griffin of An Taisce said the development should not be allowed to happen.
However, the grounds on which the corporation can refuse permission in this case appear to be limited, as the quays are zoned for commercial development.
Two other objectors to the proposal, Ms Anne Harpur, an architect, and Ms Stephanie Taheny, a town planning consultant, submitted a joint objection to the corporation. The two, who were members of the Save the Quays group, said they were objecting to the application on the grounds that it was visually obtrusive. Ms Darrer said, however, that the proposed building would be only slightly higher than the existing one and, when the canopy was removed, views of the river would be enhanced considerably. She also said the building's design would be "in sympathy" with the bus station nearby.
