Retail Property - Protests hit Dundalk plans

ING Real Estate and Coverfield Developments' Ballymac outlet development in Dundalk has been referred to An Bord Pleanala, the Irish Planning Appeals Board in Dublin after two objections were lodged to the planning consent granted in August.

However, the developers say the setback will not stop the scheme opening in 2006.

Dundalk Town Council granted planning for the 80 retail units last month, but now a local retailer and the promoter of a rival outlet scheme in Dun Laoghaire have confirmed their objections to the scheme, which sets the appeals process in motion. An ING spokesman said he expected the issue to be resolved by Christmas.