What's just about guaranteed, even at this point of non-availability here of the conditions of permission and considering some observations, is an appeal to An Bord Pleanala. Ideally the design would have been subject to a competition, just in order to compare contrasting visions for this prominent site. The additional 30m or so of permitted height sets a precedent for tall buildings in selected locations in Dublin, unless a condition of permission says otherwise of course. If finally permitted without a height reduction, it would be Dublin's tallest building, (superceding what currently is, proclaimed here at least: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...res_in_Ireland by the Church of Saints Augustine and John, Thomas St.)

Originally Posted by asset test

Not too much imagination there in a prime spot.

Is there any architect out there who could design something high rise that has vision and impact where it is going to be allowed?

This design is not much different to the existing one is it?

I do like the Gherkin building in London. That has become instantly recognisable and is visually stunning.

This one at new Liberty Hall? Nah, boring. And what an opportunity to put something of vision there. I am disappointed.

Vision costs money, daring architecture is expensive and controversial.

The existing liberty hall is fine in terms of looks, it just needs to be cleaned up and the darkened windows replaced with clear glass panes that were in the original design. If it was tidied up properly it wouldn't look so shabby. That said the main problem with it though is the lack of space for the union officials within.

Originally Posted by Doodah

What's just about guaranteed, even at this point of non-availability here of the conditions of permission and considering some observations, is an appeal to An Bord Pleanala. Ideally the design would have been subject to a competition, just in order to compare contrasting visions for this prominent site. The additional 30m or so of permitted height sets a precedent for tall buildings in selected locations in Dublin, unless a condition of permission says otherwise of course. If finally permitted without a height reduction, it would be Dublin's tallest building, (superceding what currently is, proclaimed here at least: List of tallest structures in Ireland - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia by the Church of Saints Augustine and John, Thomas St.)

I'm pretty sure siptu would have held an architectural competition. The competition would be held long before planning as the competition only sets out a rough vision.

Originally Posted by Bhagavad Gita

I'm pretty sure siptu would have held an architectural competition. The competition would be held long before planning as the competition only sets out a rough vision.

Considering the prominence of the site, I would have thought any competition submissions would have been made public. Was there a competition?

Flipping great - here we are in a city where the highest building is owned by trade unions who earn - and contribute nothing in real terms
And on the day when the 16 floor childrens hospital is rejected
Somehow, I suspect that this is what its all about
Nothing ever changes in socialist Ireland

Looks alright, far better than what's there now and will provide employment. Nice touch with the observation deck, it'll make a fortune.

Originally Posted by darkhorse

Flipping great - here we are in a city where the highest building is owned by trade unions who earn - and conttribute nothing in real terms
Somehow, I suspect that this is what its all about
Nothing ever changes in socialist Ireland

Well, Ireland's tallest building appears to be St. Johns Cathedral in Limerick, if conclusions are to be drawn about the significance of the country's tallest buildings.
(Edit: Conditions of approval have just appeared. Height unaffected. If constructed, cue debate on Ireland's tallest building).

What they are planning on replacing it with is, not to mince words, f**king vulgar.

Suppose it's apt for what happens inside.

Originally Posted by Doodah

Well, Ireland's tallest building appears to be St. Johns Cathedral in Limerick, if conclusions are to be drawn about the significance of the country's tallest buildings.

Not meaning to cause an inter county row but I thought that the County (council) hall in Cork was the highest after Liberty hall

It is the same building with a few extra floors. I think they are going to airlift one of the unfinished monstrosities in Sandyford and stick it on top of it.