An Coimisiún Pleanála refuses 49-unit Portland Row development
Sunday 2 August 2026
An Coimisiún Pleanála has overturned Dublin City Council's decision to grant permission for 49 apartments at Portland Row, Dublin 1.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused planning permission for 49 apartments at Portland Row in Dublin, overturning a previous approval by Dublin City Council.
The proposed development, put forward by approved housing body Tuath Housing Association, sought to construct 49 units across three apartment blocks on the Dublin 1 site. Dublin City Council had granted permission for the project last December.
However, the planning authority overturned the local authority's decision following seven third-party appeals. The appeals were lodged by local residents and public figures, including Olympic boxing gold medalist Kellie Harrington and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.
In its decision, An Coimisiún Pleanála noted that the massing and height of the proposed development would have resulted in a high-quality, coherent urban scheme featuring high-quality public and communal open space.
Despite this, the planning authority refused permission after finding that the removal of the existing Mixed Use Games Area (MUGA) to accommodate the development would materially contravene the Dublin City Development Plan. The board pointed to specific development plan policies regarding the Protection of Sport and Recreational Facilities, which require the protection of established sports and recreation sites.