The Green Party has welcomed the decision by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown to refuse permission for temporary use of the Carlisle Pier in Dún Laoghaire as a surface car park.

The decision comes within a week of An Bord Pleanála stating that Planning Permission should have been sought by the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company prior to the demolition in September last year of the buildings that stood on the pier. Local TD Ciarán Cuffe has sought this declaration from the Bord. He had previously lodged an observation on the Planning Application suggesting that it be refused.

Deputy Cuffe stated:

“I am particularly pleased that the Council in its decision stated that ‘ …all aspects of the proposals at this prominent and visually sensitive location should be of a high quality that enhances the public realm and that significant elements of the former train shed should be reused’.

“The pier is currently a cleared site, but I would like to see the Victorian train station rebuilt. For over half a century it was hidden underneath the 1960’s ferry terminal until it was demolished last year. It would be an ideal venue that could be used for festivals during the summer months and as an ice-rink in the winter. It could also be used to accommodate boat sales and markets. Dún Laoghaire’s heritage deserves strong protection"