Re. PA 3559 20 Bru Chaoimhin, Cork Street, Dublin 8, D08DH31 by Health Service Executive Protected Structure . Permission for the construction of (a) A segregated car park with 593m² of new tarmac surface, to house 43 no. car park spaces (b) New site entrance/egress to Brown Street South (c) New 2m high cast iron fencing within site boundary (d) Removal of two no. existing trees (e) Associated site lighting (f) Associated site development works at Brú Chaoimhín, Cork Street, Dublin 8, D08 DH31. The development is on the curtilage of a site that contains a Protected Structure

Dear Sir,

I request that Planning Permission is refused for this development.

I am shocked that a semi-state agency entrusted with securing the health of citizens would propose the removal of significant mature trees and planting in an area that is manifestly lacking in green space and trees. The Liberties and Cork Street have so little green space and is deeply upsetting that further loss of the amenity value is being proposed.

To paraphrase the singer Joni Mitchell this appears to be a proposal “to pave paradise and put up a parking lot”. Thankfully in this instance we do “know what we’ve got” and it is not yet gone, so I respectfully ask that Permission is refused for this development.

I am bewildered that the HSE would seek to maximise car parking on a site that is well-served by public transport. If anything they should ask themselves whether they have any strategic thinking or capacity in the area of transport and mobility, and if this is lacking they should better resource themselves before cutting down trees for a car park.

Dublin City Council’s Tree Strategy 2016-2020 states: “Trees are a valuable functional component of the urban landscape – they also make a significant contribution to people’s health and quality of life. Within the city, trees clean the air, provide natural flood defences, mask noise and promote a general sense of wellbeing.” It is nonsensical that the applicant is proposing the removal of trees for car-parking.

I note that on page 236 of the current City Development Plan it states that “In relation to developing the city’s green infrastructure (G.I.), the co-operation of owners/occupiers of lands zoned Z6, Z9, Z12, Z14 and Z15 is sought towards progressing the GI network”. Page 250 of the Plan states “In relation to developing the city’s green infrastructure (G.I.), the co-operation of owners/occupiers of lands zoned Z6, Z9, Z12, Z14 and Z15 is sought towards progressing the GI network”. It goes on to state on Page 251 that “A masterplan may assist in demonstrating how the requirements of this paragraph may be satisfied.” Given the significance of the this development I urge that you request a masterplan in advance of a proposal such as this being advanced.

The main building on the site is a Protected Structure and it is inappropriate that such a drastic loss of amenity is being proposed.

I have made the €20 payment online, and ask that you acknowledge this observation in writing.

Sincerely,

Ciarán Cuffe

MEP for Dublin

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Read my submission here