CANTOR SITE – Planning Update

Some concern has been raised with me regarding the on-going demolition works on the former Cantor site. I work closely with local Minister, Paschal Donohoe T.D., so please contact either one of us if we can be of help to you or your family.

ON-GOING DEMOLITION WORK

Huge concern was expressed following the beginning of demolition work of existing buildings on the former Cantor site. The focus of the concerns centred on the presence of asbestos in the buildings and that appropriate action is taken by Dublin City Council, as the local planning authority. Residents spoke to me requesting that an urgent investigation take place to assess the planning permission with regards to these works.

WHAT IS THE PLANNING PERMISSION FOR THESE WORKS?

Planning permission, subject to condition, was granted for the demolition of the existing vacant office building, warehouse and other storage buildings as well as the construction of 25 two and three storey townhouses. This development was not carried out within the original five year ‘life’ of this permission. Therefore, an extension was sought and approved by the Planning Department of Dublin City Council, meaning that the developer has until September 24th 2021 to complete this development proposal. It should also be noted that condition 12 of the planning permission requires the submission of, and agreement to a Project Construction & Demolition Work Management Plan prior to the beginning of any works on the site.

REQUEST FOR PLANNING ENFORCEMENT INSPECTION?

On foot of the concerns raised by local residents with me, I requested that Dublin City Council’s Planning Enforcement Section carry out an inspection to determine whether the approved planning permission is being complied with. In particular, I asked officials to ensure that this inspection examines how the safe removal of asbestos from the roof of buildings on site takes place.

WHAT IS THE INITIAL RESULT OF THIS INSPECTION?

At the monthly meeting of Dublin City Council earlier this week, I sought an update on the status of my request for an inspection from the Chief Executive. Both the Chief Executive and the Assistant Planning Enforcement Manager reported back to me stating that no Project Construction & Demolition Work Management Plan has been received by Dublin City Council to date. A Commencement Notice was received on October 5th 2016. Therefore, following my representations, the Planning Enforcement Section has served a “warning letter pursuant to section 152 of the Planning & Development Acts 2000-2015” on the developer “in respect of compliance with the condition“.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS ON THIS ISSUE?

The developer will have a number of weeks to respond to the notice served by the City Council. I have requested that the Planning Enforcement Section of Dublin City Council report back to me after the completion of the statutory timeline for the serving of this notice and for the developer to respond. When that information is available to me, I will make sure to share that with local residents.

Furthermore, the applicant sought permission from the Dublin Central Area Committee today to approve the naming and numbering of this development. A copy of the proposed lay-out is attached below for your information. Due to the planning enforcement action currently underway, I was successful in having this request deferred until all planning requirements have been complied with.

I hope this information is of assistance to you. However, if you have any questions or queries arising from the details provided, please contact me at raymcadam@gmail.com.