Supermarket chain Lidl has been lambasted for an apparent unauthorised development in Dublin.

The German retailer was accused of showing "utter contempt for the planning process" by the Deansgrange Residential Area Action Group.

Residents said the "unlawfully constructed" electricity substation, built on Clonkeen Road and Kill Lane, contravened a previous planning decision.

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council refused permission for Lidl to allow the structure to remain.

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The retailer has now appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala.

Objections were lodged by residents to the original plans, chairman of the association, Paul Kelly said the history of the project was shrouded in "utter contempt for the planning process".

"The developers of this site were refused permission by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, endorsed by An Bord Pleanala, in 2007. (They) chose to ignore the decision of both planning authorities and constructed the works," he said

"The applicant has attempted to present this as a fresh planning application by means of a 'fig leaf' of a revised landscaping proposal," added Mr Kelly.

Certain elements of the scheme have been granted retention permission, which includes an emergency stair well and waste storage area.

An Bord Pleanala is due to give its ruling by June.

(PR/JM)