I don’t share the euphoria of others regarding An Bord Pleanála’s decision announced today regarding the Dublin Bay Infill application by the Dublin Port Company.

http://www.pleanala.ie/documents/orders/PA0/dPA0007.pdf

Why?

(1) The Bord rejected what I consider to be very important refusal reasons for the proposed application as recommended by ABP’s own Inspector including:

 – avoiding the creation of monopolistic conditions in the ports arena by making Dublin Port too big

– ensuring balanced regional development by making a planning determination to limit the size of the port.

(2) I think the language associated with the Special Protection Area considerations is weak. For example the Bord “…is not satisfied that it would not adversely affect the natural heritage of Dublin Bay”.

Is it just me or does that feel like a door left open for re-submission?