A number of city councillors in Dublin have voiced concerns over the rate at which high rise developments could be passed through by planners.

New planning guidelines have been detailed in a document called 'Maximising the City's Potential', which could see more 16-storey schemes emerge in certain areas.

The five locations include the city centre - in the Docklands, near Connolly, Heuston and Tara Street train stations and in the Thomas Street area.

A further ten suburban areas including Phibsboro, Ballyfermot and the Naas Road would be allowed buildings up to 16 storeys also.

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Michael Stubbs, Assistant City Manager, told city councillors the new proposals would still be subject to local area plans.

Planner John O'Hara said the new proposal would prevent developers from building tall buildings just anywhere in the city.

Councillor Paddy McCartan insisted he did not see a necessity for the proposals.

"I don't see the need for this, there's been a 90% negative reaction in my area," he said.

Councillor Gerry Breen claimed proposals were being rushed through.

He suggested a vote on new guidelines before the June elections would be bad planning and bad politics.

Other councillors cited the economic slump as an obstacle to introducing new planning guidelines, insisting the likelihood a new set of councillors drafting a further development plan for 2011 to 2016.

A full meeting of the city council in February will vote on whether the proposals can go for public consultation.

(PR/BMcC)