An Taisce, the national trust for Ireland, and Dublin City Council have both expressed concerns over Trinity’s planned €52 million Oisin House accommodation project.
Speaking to The University Times, Ian Lumley, An Taisce Heritage Officer, said that the plan raised concerns primarily because “of the scale of the new building that is being proposed”, and called for a height reduction to bring the plan more into line with the existing streetscape.
Lumley added that Dublin City Council have made known their reservations about the “visual impact of the development, within a conservation area” such as Pearse Street.
Planning permission for the proposed six-floor Oisín House design was submitted in November. The submitted plan included 280 bedrooms, space for both the disability service and the health centre, and for the sports clubs displaced by the demolition of Luce Hall.
According to Lumley, the “building represents a significant jump on scale on what’s there at the moment”. The existing Oisín House, which houses some functions of the Department of Social Protection, will be demolished if the project is approved by Dublin City Council.
The Dean of Students, Prof Kevin O’Kelly, had previously told The University Times that the building’s proposed “natural, mountain-like roof”, aimed to cause minimal disruption to the street’s skyline.
Minimal opposition to the proposals was made at a series of community and public meetings held in December on the project.
The plan for the centre of the Pearse Street building, which is due to be completed by summer 2018, will include an open courtyard with trees, as well as a mezzanine area overlooking three squash courts and a handball court. Additionally, the College Disability Service will be situated on a floor below street level, while the College Health Centre will move from its current location to the ground floor of Oisín House.
Kate Yeaton, a London dentist who graduated with a degree in History of Art and Architecture from Trinity in 2005, told the Irish Independent last week that “all” at recent a meeting of Trinity alumni were “horrified” that Trinity would propose “such a monstrosity”.
Lumley emphasised that “Trinity took on the burden of this application so it can comply, but it’s up to Trinity to respond to further information requests.
Trinity must now respond to the these information requests from the council. If there is, according to Lumley, an “unsatisfactory outcome” and Trinity fail to comply with the concerns expressed, the project will be referred to An Bord Pleanála.
