City planners in Dublin have earmarked fifteen sites as suitable for high-rise structures.

Stretching across the docklands and the west of the city; the sites include George's Quay, Grand Canal Basin, Dublin Port and central transport links Connolly, Heuston and Tara stations.

Some suburban areas were also pinpointed as appropriate for eight storey buildings. They included Naas Road, Park West and Cherry Orchard.

The original Maximising the City's Potential report suggested high rise developments should only been given the green-light in "exceptional circumstance" - this is now set to be reviewed.

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In a nod to suburban schemes, planners said these areas could benefit from a "very specific and limited use of height to create a focal point".

Dublin city council's Planning Strategic Policy committee recently received a review of the draft height strategy for schemes in the city, following public concerns regarding the original plans.

Proposals were also made for taller buildings along the "natural ridge of the inner-city bowl", an area encompassing the new DIT Campus at Grangegorman and the National Children's Hospital at Phibsborough.

According to the report, there is a "great level of confusion in the public debate on density and height" with residents' groups in general negative towards such proposals.

Written submissions provided during public consultations were on the whole 47% positive, with 22% being "very critical".

Issues were raised over the environmental impact and sustainability of high buildings in the city, with particular emphasises put on Ireland's climate and weather.

Concern was expressed that height strategy was not strategic but was a response to pressures from developers.

The report also recommends revised proposals be incorporated into existing policy.

(PR/JM)