In February 2006, Dublin City Council initiated a compulsory purchase order (CPO) on Dartmouth Square, in an effort to bring the park into public ownership as public open space. We have been advised that if we proceed with the completion of the compulsory purchase process to arbitration stage we would expose the City Council to the possibility of a substantial and financially prohibitive award. Therefore, it is with regret that the City Council announces that it does not intend to proceed with the compulsory purchase order to acquire the park as originally planned.

During the past 18 months the City Council has held negotiations with the reputed owner of the park but has failed to reach agreement. To enhance the protection of the park as an open space, the City Council placed a Tree Preservation Order on the park and has also included it as part of the designation of Dartmouth Square as an Area of Architectural Conservation.

Officials from the City Council met with the local Councillors and TDs yesterday and with representatives of the Residents Association Committee today to appraise them of the situation.

It should be noted that the City Council remains amenable and open to holding further negotiations with Mr. O’Gara to effect a reasonable settlement in order to keep the park open to the public. 

ENDS