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Locals Object to Plans for Eight-Storey Apartment Block
A number of residents in Drimnagh, Dublin, are raising concerns about plans for an eight-storey, 113-unit apartment block proposed by a company owned by Conor McGregor. The project, which involves the demolition of the Marble Arch pub that McGregor purchased two years ago, has sparked objections due to its scale and potential impact on the community.
Development Details
The MarbleArch LRD apartment scheme is set to consist of 57 two-bed units, 53 one-bed units, and three studios. In addition to the apartments, the development plans include a restaurant/bar/cafe, a gym, and a retail unit. The site, which covers 0.72 acres, is located adjacent to another site that McGregor has purchased and where preliminary enabling works for a separate apartment scheme have already begun.
Concerns Raised by Locals
Local residents, including members of the Drimnagh Residents Community Group, have lodged objections, citing concerns about the scale and density of the development. They fear that the project will disrupt their daily lives, decrease property values, and overshadow nearby amenities such as the Grand Canal. Married couple Rita and Patrick McGowan, who have lived in the area for over 80 years, have expressed particular distress over the construction work on the adjacent site, which they claim has caused health issues and made it impossible to open windows due to dirt, dust, and noise.
Revised Plans and Developer's Response
The developer, Emrajare Ltd, initially proposed a larger 151-unit scheme reaching up to 11 storeys. However, after concerns were raised by the City Council regarding the height and scale of the project, the plans were revised to the current eight-storey proposal. In support of the development, planning consultants Tom Phillips + Associates have emphasized that the project will provide much-needed housing and improve the visual landscape of the area.
Impact on City Council Social Housing Lists
The MarbleArch LRD development is expected to have a positive impact on social housing in the area. The planning report confirms that 20% of the apartments, or 23 units, will be sold to the City Council for social housing purposes under the Planning and Development Act.
Conor McGregor's Involvement
Emrajare Ltd is connected to Conor McGregor through its director, Alan Geraghty, who is also the Group CEO of McGregor Sports and Entertainment. McGregor, known for his successful MMA career and business ventures, has the financial means to fund the MarbleArch LRD project.
Image source: TMZ
