A Draft Liberties Area Plan has been adopted by Dublin City Council, it has been announced.

The plans, which were made following an extensive public consultation period, have banned buildings taller than 16 storeys from being constructed in the area.

A spokesman for the council said developers will now have greater clarity on what constitutes acceptable planning in the Liberties area.

It is expected the final six-year plan to be adopted in May after further public consultation.

Assistant City Manager Michael Stubbs said: "This plan works well with the City Development Plan and specifies what is acceptable planning for the Liberties in key areas like height, density, social housing, economic activity and conservation."

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The highest building allowed in the Liberties will be in Grand Canal Harbour, where a limit of 40m, or approximately 12 storeys, will apply.

It also makes an allowance for a height cap of approximately 16 storeys at Victoria Quay near Heuston.

However, this is subject to development not obscuring views of the city from Phoenix Park and being compatible with historic Steeven's Lane.

The plan also includes a requirement that Diageo receive agreement from the South Central Area on their Masterplan before redeveloping their historic St. James’s Gate lands.

Evelyn Hanlon, Dublin City Council's Project Manager for the Liberties Regeneration Project, said the draft plan and amendments reflect the concerns and aspirations of the local community and their elected representatives.

"The final plan will reflect how the local community want to see the Liberties develop. It includes many social and community regeneration objectives," she said.

"The councillors are keen to retain social housing in the Liberties Regeneration Area at 29%. It also includes objectives for new parks, libraries, community facilities, childcare and sports, and play areas," added Ms Hanlon.

(PR/BMcC)