Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I am not sure whether the space is required to be an effective living area, and excludes lobbies or corridors and so on. If the discrepancy in measurements were only 2 or 3 sq. m. the family might be able to shake that out. It is a long way from 180 sq. m. to 125 sq. m. The Department seems resolved that all the conditions have not been fully complied with. I do not know whether that should have been obvious at all stages. The earlier inspection seems to have been of a building only. Maybe the plans showed everything. Maybe the planning permission did not cover the drawings of the interior.

The option of an appeal, provided it can be backed up with documentation, seems to exist. I will get a copy of what the Senator said. The Department has considered this and it does not comply. I will make some inquiries about it. The applicant, however, could prepare the appeal with the guidance of the relevant people in Dublin City Council and elsewhere.