Ballsbridge Developments

I see today that the Berkeley Court and Jury’s Ballsbridge have closed for renovations. When I mean renovations, I mean they are going to be completely knocked down and a large complex of apartments are going to be built there.

The original plans were pretty massive and were vetoed by the council. I was never sure why this was the case. It was in line with what the city planners said was acceptable, I am told, but local objections seem to have won out. “Of course we want to see development but not in my back yard. This is an urban village, don’t you see?”.

The plan was for a modern, high specification, enormous, expensive block of apartments, close to the middle of Dublin. The new plan is for a much smaller scale enterprise. I think that particular location should be excellent for a large development. It has the AIB headquarters beside it, with most employees presumably commuting - might reduce the commute for many, reduce road usage, etc. It is an enormous site and the road infrastructure is not too bad and certainly manageable. Herbert Park is nearby with a bit of greenery to run about in. And what is wrong with a bit of high rise if it is done properly?