Victory for Mount Merrion residents as Union Café decision upheld – Madigan

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, Josepha Madigan, has welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanála to uphold the decision to refuse planning permission for the Union Café development in Mount Merrion.

“I welcome the decision by An Bord Pleanála to uphold the decision to refuse planning permission for the Union Café development.

“The proposed development, a mixed retail and residential apartment scheme, was considered by the planning department of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, who refused to grant planning permission on a number of grounds. The scale, siting, layout, bulk and height of the development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

“This decision has been upheld by an Bord Pleanála following appeal from the developer.

“New development in the area is welcome but it must be suitable for the area and fit in with the community. The proposed development was neither.

“This is a victory for residents of Mount Merrion. I have worked closely with Mount Merrion Residents’ Association in their campaign to stop this development as it is simply not in keeping with the local community. The proposed development, of 15,800 square metres, would have dominated the landscape in Mount Merrion and significantly altered the character of a mature neighbourhood of family homes.

“I have been working hard on this issue for the past months and raised the issue of this development in the Dáil two weeks ago. It is fantastic to see that a strong campaign, where an active residents association has worked closely with public representatives, has borne fruit: David has defeated Goliath.”