Tara Street Station

Iarnród lies low on high-rise block

IARNRÓD Éireann is determined to keep its latest blueprint for Tara St Station in Georges Quay firmly under wraps. The plan includes a proposed 17-storey building in an area where a number of high-rise buildings have been unceremoniously blocked by the planning process including a scheme by Cosgrave Builders right next door.

Several requests to CIE for a view of how its scheme would impact on Dublin’s skyline have so far been put on the long-finger. Meantime, beyond the statutory planning application requirements, Dubliners are effectively being left in the dark on what the State body is planning for this landmark site.

The debate over high-rise is now reaching a major watershed with the Spencer Dock oral hearing. Dublin Chamber of Commerce argues that a maximum range of between 20 to 30 storeys should be considered appropriate in Dublin’s Docklands. But there is a sizeble lobby against skyscrapers in any shape or form. Small wonder Iarnród wants to keep its head down on its planned “air rights” development beside the loop line bridge.