Ronan firm in push to gain permission for large projects
DEVELOPER Johnny Ronan has launched a renewed bid to secure planning permission for two landmark developments in Dublin and Wicklow.
His Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) has lodged a raft of new information to address questions Dublin City Council has over his plans for a large, mixed-use waterfront development at Spencer Dock in the north Dublin docklands.
In tandem, Mr Ronan’s group has also lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against Wicklow Co Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a planned €50m sports hotel near Enniskerry.
The group is also fighting on a third planning front where it is contesting at An Bord Pleanála Dublin City Council’s decision to refuse planning to his 22-storey Aqua Vetro tower.
Mr Ronan had sought permission with Dublin City Council for a 66,599 sq m (717,000 sq ft) mixed use development at Spencer Dock.
The plan accounts for slightly over half of the six-acre site the group purchased for €43m last year.
The plan comprises four proposed buildings including a 212-bed hotel, restaurant/retail units and 46,184 sq m (500,000 sq ft) of office accommodation.
The planning permission is one part of a scheme where RGRE expects to create 1,000 jobs on site during the €300m development of the project, called Spencer Place.
The group intends that ultimately, the mixed use development of offices, residential and leisure across the six-acre site will support 5,000 jobs.
Planning consultant for Mr Ronan, John Spain told the city council that the development will create a new hub at Spencer Dock focused on the provision of high-quality office and com- mercial accommodation, providing significant public realm and strategic connections.
Mr Ronan’s group has now responded to a request from the council for further information that includes concerns over the height of the scheme and the required active space in the development.
Yesterday, An Bord Pleanála confirmed that Mr Ronan’s firm, RGRE J & R Valery has lodged an appeal against the decision to refuse planning permission for a 141-bedroom hotel at St Valery’s, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.
If granted permission, the hotel would to be marketed towards the sports tourism sector with a particular emphasis on cycling.
It consists of a four-storey over basement hotel including a restaurant, bar and cafe area.
However, the council last month refused planning permission on two grounds, stating that the proposal by reason of its scale and bulk would be an intrusive feature and would impact on views from the N11 to St Valery’s and be detrimental to the visual amenities of the area.
The firm claims if it is not overturned on appeal the refusal will result in the loss of 120 potential jobs.