Latest news with #Fingal
Irish Times
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Dublin Airport area residents appeal against permission for viewing platform
Residents living beside Dublin Airport have lodged an appeal against Fingal County Council's decision to grant planning permission for an aircraft viewing facility, citing concerns over potentially contaminated soil at the site. St Margaret's The Ward residents' group said that although it broadly favours improvement works at the observation mound, there is a risk to public health and the environment following the granting of permission. With its approval, granted late last month, airport operator DAA aims to significantly enhance the site of the current informal airport viewing point – a layby locally known as 'The Mound', which has been in operation for more than 40 years – on the Old Airport Road. After receiving the permission , the airport's managing director, Gary McLean, said the public's reaction to the proposal had been 'incredibly positive'. He said the new facility would make airplane viewing 'safer and more enjoyable'. READ MORE However, Liam O'Gradaigh, spokesman for the residents' group, claimed the issue of alleged soil contamination and its treatment at the site were not adequately addressed in Fingal's decision to grant permission to DAA. The council also ruled out any environmental assessment. Soil contaminations from PFOS (a synthetic chemical used to make products resistant to stains, grease, soil, and water) and PFAS (known as forever chemicals), posed a threat to public health and no screening or assessment were provided for in the council's decision, he said. PFAS (per-and poly-fluoroalkylated substances) have become a legacy problem globally, including at airports where firefighting foam containing the chemicals was once used. A 28-month monitoring programme undertaken on behalf of DAA by environmental consultants Fehily Timoney between 2021 and 2023 confirmed the presence of 'forever chemicals' at a number of sample sites across its campus. Mr O'Gradaigh said: 'We have witnessed how responsible State organisations such as MetroLink and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have handled such issues.' He said the group learned from a hearing on Metrolink that some excavations near the Mound led to the discovery of contamination. That contaminated soil is going to be shipped overseas by these State bodies, he said. 'The airport campus is one of Ireland's largest known PFAS/PFOS contamination sites and worryingly is hydrologically linked to the European sites along the Dublin coast,' he said. 'There has to be proper oversight, assessment and mitigation plans put in place.' In their appeal, the residents claim issues relating to soil contamination were raised in third-party submissions and were not addressed by DAA in a further information request. 'We are extremely disappointed with this opinion as we provided ample proof that the site is in very close proximity to known PFAS/PFOS discoveries as part of the Metrolink preliminary investigations,' the group wrote in its submission. 'The airport is widely known to have a serious PFAS/PFOS contamination issue and Fingal County Council have been appointed by the EPA to oversee the issue,' it said. DAA has been asked to comment.
Irish Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Park Developments pays €15m for Balbriggan site
Michael Cotter's Park Developments is understood to have seen off competition from up to seven other parties to secure a 19.2-acre site with potential for hundreds of new homes in Balbriggan , north Co Dublin. The developer has paid just over €15 million for the lands. The three lots within the holding, immediately adjacent to existing housing in the Stephenstown area of the town, are zoned in their entirety for residential use under the terms of the Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029. The lands are not subject to a local area plan (LAP). A feasibility study prepared O'Mahony Pike Architects (OMP) in advance of the sale suggests the site has the potential to accommodate about 322 new homes along with a purpose-built creche facility. The proposed development would comprise a mix of 32 one-bedroom duplexes, 96 three-bedroom duplexes and 194 terraced three-bedroom houses arranged across three housing clusters around a central open space. The Stephenstown site, which is in agricultural use currently, has extensive frontage to Clonard Street, the primary arterial road from Balbriggan to the M1 motorway. Millfield Shopping Centre is to the east and Scoil Chormaic CNS and Bremore Educate Together Secondary School immediately adjoin the lands. READ MORE Balbriggan is a well-established and fast-growing residential location with a proven sales record among first-time buyers and growing families in particular. Balbriggan town centre offers a variety of retail options and the aforementioned Millfield Shopping Centre, which includes a Tesco Extra. The area offers various types of schools, including Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together, as well as several other primary, secondary and Montessori schools. The town's sports clubs include Balbriggan Football Club, Balbriggan Rugby Club, Balbriggan Golf Club and Balbriggan GAA. The sale of the Stephenstown site was handled by Knight Frank, who declined to comment on the matter when contacted by The Irish Times.
Irish Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Private investor pays €3.35m for large land bank near Dublin Airport
A private Irish investor has acquired a 129-acre land holding at Dunsoghly in north Dublin for €3.35 million. The price paid represents a 26 per cent discount on the €4.5 million agent Knight Frank had been guiding when it offered the property to the market in October of last year. While the lands, which are located a kilometre from the grounds of Dublin Airport and 6.5km from the airport terminal, are agricultural and laid out in tillage at present, the new owner is likely to look to have them rezoned in the future. The selling agent marketed the lands on the basis that they are ideally positioned to benefit from a rezoning to industrial and logistics use. The entire holding is zoned Objective Green Belt under the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029. The aim of this designation is 'to protect and provide for a greenbelt'. About 75 acres of the lands are located outside the Airport Public Safety Zones. The limited supply of lands outside this zone but near Dublin Airport enhances the strategic significance of the property, according to the selling agent. In terms of its accessibility, the land is near the N2, which connects with the M50 and wider motorway network. The buyer of the Dunsoghly lands was represented by Ollie Lyons of JLL with the sale being handled by Evan Lonergan and Finín O'Driscoll at Knight Frank.
Irish Times
21-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Fingal council not only party to blame for farce of Dublin Airport passenger cap
Under a planning restriction imposed by Fingal County Council dating from 2007, Dublin Airport's passenger numbers are supposed to be capped at 32 million a year. But, as we all know, this restriction is pure fiction. More than 33 million passengers went through the doors of the airport last year and 36 million-plus are expected to use it this year as a result of court rulings that have put a stay on the cap while we await a ruling from Europe . It's an Irish solution to an Irish problem. To add to the confusion and mess, the council this week issued an enforcement notice to DAA on foot of complaints by local residents. Nobody comes out of this shambles well. Government should have moved long ago to sort out the cap and remove planning regulation of Dublin Airport from the remit of the council. Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien promised a solution on taking office in January, but none has emerged to date. READ MORE DAA described Fingal's enforcement notice as a 'sorry indictment of the mess that is the Irish planning system, particularly when it comes to the most vital piece of transport infrastructure on this island'. That might be so, but it is also an indictment of DAA's dithering over 16 years before submitting an infrastructure application in December 2023 that would allow it to increase traffic through Dublin Airport. And it is not a good look for a state-owned company to breach legally binding planning rules. [ `Zombie' Dublin Airport passenger cap could be removed by legislation Opens in new window ] Willie Walsh, the former Aer Lingus and IAG chief who is now head of Geneva-based airlines trade body IATA, has said we are a laughing stock internationally, with people scratching their heads as to why a small island nation on the edge of western Europe that relies heavily on foreign direct investment would be tying itself up in knots with a cap on growth at its biggest international airport. He's not wrong.
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Daily Record
Scottish spot known for scenic peaks and valleys sees travel spike amid ‘coolcation' trend
Coolcations are booming, with searches for the term up 624 percent in the past year As Europe braces for another summer of soaring temperatures, more travellers are swapping beach towels for hiking boots in search of cooler climes and one Scottish gem is standing out among the pack. The growing trend of the 'coolcation', holidays designed to beat the heat rather than bask in it, is surging in popularity. Online searches for the term have rocketed by 624 percent over the past year, according to new research by walking holiday experts Inghams Walking. Their latest study analysed nearly 100 destinations across Europe, tracking interest at every stage of the travel planning journey, from general searches to hotel queries and flight bookings. By comparing year-on-year spikes in search data, they've identified the top emerging spots where more tourists are heading to cool off. Glen Coe has landed at number 13 on the list of fastest-growing 'coolcation' destinations in Europe, boasting a 33.64 percent rise in travel interest. It's a major win for Scotland's Highlands, which continue to draw in visitors with their rugged landscapes, haunting history and unspoilt beauty. Glencoe, nestled within the Lochaber Geopark, is often dubbed the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK'. With average summer temperatures of just 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, it offers a refreshing escape from the continental heat, perfect for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. Not only is Glencoe Scotland's most famous and scenic glen, it's also among its most historic and romantic. Once carved by violent volcanic eruptions and massive glaciers, the dramatic terrain is laced with myth and legend. Celtic warrior Fingal is said to have made his home among its towering mountains, while his poet son Ossian drew inspiration from the sweeping valleys and cliffs. 'Inghams' research shines a light on lesser-known escapes where you can still enjoy epic scenery and fresh air without the crowds or the heatwave,' a spokesperson said. Glen Coe is more than just a place to admire from afar, it's a base for adventure and discovery. From wildlife spotting to geological marvels, the region offers a unique mix of natural wonder and cultural heritage. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Topping the list of fastest-growing coolcations is Akureyri in Iceland, with a staggering 264.13 percent rise in search interest. It's followed by Tisvilde in Denmark (+98.59 percent), Nuuk in Greenland (+79.53 percent), Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy (+64.16 percent) and Estonia's Lahemaa National Park (+55.99 percent). Laura Mason, Head of Walking at Inghams Walking, comments: 'Our data reveals a growing shift among travellers looking to move away from traditional sun-soaked destinations in favour of cooler climates. 'And search behaviour on Google supports this growing trend, with our research showcasing the 'coolcation' destinations across Europe that travellers are becoming increasingly interested in visiting. 'Coolcations allow holidaymakers to foster a deeper connection with nature, often prioritising exploring the outdoors and personal wellbeing, and we hope our findings inspire those looking to mix up their typical travel this summer.'
