Liffey Valley €150m extension given the thumbs-down by Bord Pleanála

PLANS for the €150 million extension at Liffey Valley shopping centre have been refused over concerns it would worsen traffic congestion in the area.

An Bord Pleanála (ABP) upheld appeals by An Taisce and the Moriarty Group for the mixed-use leisure, entertainment, commercial and retail extension, which included plans for Ireland’s first 2,500 seat Olympic-sized indoor ice rink, and capacity for 60 extra stores around a large public plaza.

Up to 450 full-time and part-time jobs were to be created upon completion, as well as 225 construction jobs that would have brought the number employed to over 2,500.

The Bord cited the close proximity of the M50, N4 in making its decision to uphold the appeal, stating it was “not satisfied, on the basis of the information submitted with the application and appeal, that the proposed development will not have a negative impact on the operation and safety of the strategic road network in the area.”

Current level of “traffic congestion difficulties on both local roads and on adjacent national roads” were also noted by the Bord.

Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle, feels the decision “highlights the serious deficit in transport infrastructure in West Dublin.”

Cllr Lavelle said: “Bord Pleanála’s hard-hitting ruling should mark a wake-up call for those unelected officials who think they can cram more and more development into Lucan and Clondalkin without any heed to our chronic traffic congestion problems.”

In granting permission for the development last September, South Dublin County Council sought close to €10 million in developer fees – including €5 million for traffic lights at the St Loman’s roundabout Fonthill/Coldcut Road junction, and €4.6 million for public infrastructure works.

Asset and development managers Hines, who submitted the plans last year, appealed the request to pay €5 million in contributions to the council, in an appeal to ABP.

Hines, the asset and development manager of the centre, said it was disappointed with the decision, adding it would reflect and take on board the ruling before planning the next stage of the centre’s development.

In October, the centre was acquired by Germany’s largest public pensions group, Bayerische Versorgungskammer (BVK) for €630 million from a consortium which included international property giants Hines.

Hines continue to act as asset and development managers for the centre. They  told The Echo they noted the many positive observations made, including the high quality, and the mix of  retail space within the development.

 A spokesman said they look forward to collaborating with the authorities to address points identified as needing further consideration

 Footfall increased by 20 per cent over the past two months following the opening in December of a new extension.

 The newly completed Western End extension at the centre includes an anchor Penneys store, six additional restaurants, a new external façade and a cinema upgrade.