An Bord Pleanála has upheld Fingal County Council’s decision to exclude a proposed new road from the €10m plan to transform Howth Castle into a retail, food, and tourist destination, leading to contention over the development.
Local residents and the Church of Ireland objected to the scheme due to the planned road, prompting the applicants, Tetrarch Capital and the Michael J Wright hospitality group, to appeal against this and four other conditions of the planning permission.
The appeal argued that the road’s inclusion was essential for providing adequate services and supporting sustainable development, but the appeals board ruled against it, citing potential harm to the historic landscape and heritage features of the Howth Castle Demesne.
Council officials indicated that the proposed road was unnecessary and had previously suggested alternative options during pre-planning discussions, with concerns raised regarding the significant interventions required for its construction.
