db Group sees victory as court rejects NGOs’ appeal against former ITS site

The courts have ruled in favour of db Group, giving them the go-ahead to build two towers rising 17 and 16 floors, and a 12 floor hotel, after Judge Mark Chetcuti threw out the case earlier this morning.

The appeal was filed by several NGOs, local councils and residents after raising around €20,000 from the public who took a stand against the planning permission granted to db Group.

The decision ends a years-long dispute over the controversial project, which was approved by a single vote by the Planning Authority (PA) in 2021.

In a statement, the company said it “welcomes today’s court verdict which brings an end to eight years of scrutiny by various courts, tribunals and authorities.”

“This has been one of the most scrutinised projects in local history, and the truth has finally prevailed. We now look forward to delivering this world-class project.”

Of the 12 PA Board Members, five had recused themselves, four voted in favour while three voted against.

This after the original permit, approved in 2018, was sent back to the drawing board by the court in 2019.

db Group then submitted fresh plans that replaced the inital 37-storey with two smaller ones, and decreased the height of the hotel by seven floors.