Grand Larseny

An Bord Pleanála, which is held in high esteem by developers, is hearing submissions on Seán Dunne’s proposed Ballsbridge tower.

It has a number of high profile backers, many of whom are paid to support the project.

Gate Theatre director Michael Colgan and RTE’s Bill O'Herlihy are among the 44 who lodged appeals in favour of the scheme. Colgan is cultural adviser for the project and O'Herlihy does its PR.

The building is to be 37 storeys high. It has been designed by a Danish firm called Henning Larsen. A Danish man called Ulrik Raysse was sent by the Danish firm to endorse its commission.

Ballsbridge was a ‘unique urban quarter,’ he said. The Dunne tower would make Ballsbridge a ‘reeally unique urban quarter.’

Ian Ritchie, the architect responsible for the Dublin Spire in O'Connell Street, is a member of the jury which selected the Larsen scheme for Ballsbridge. He turned up to endorse it. This incongruous building would ‘do much for the growing international reputation of Dublin,’ he said. For the most part the Dublin suburb is currently seek as a place of residence. The development would mark Ballsbridge as ‘a place of change.’

It is hoped that Julian Opie will vouch for the building’s aesthetic beauty.

Mr Dunne, who admires many of An Bord Pleanála’s past decisions, says his scheme will ‘rejuvenate’ the area and ‘put Dublin 4 on the map.’

It is opposed by 12 residents’ associations, Des O Malley and Dermot Desmond. One resident objected, saying the plan would drive a coach and four through the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011.

‘A coach and thirty-seven,’ replied Mr Dunne.