An Bord Pleanála has decided not to contest two High Court challenges to its permissions for 749 homes in counties Dublin and Waterford.

The board told the court on Monday last, that it is no longer defending its approval for the development of 531 build-to-rent apartments in Dundrum, south Dublin, and 218 dwellings in Dungarvan.

Mr Justice David Holland was informed on Monday of a concession by the board in an unconnected action brought by ecologist Lisa Dolan and civil engineer Neil Renton, both of Abbeyside, Dungarvan, over plans for a 218-unit housing scheme in their town.

In light of communications from the board the hearing will not proceed, the court heard.

Barrister Damien Keaney said the board’s move comes as a “shock” to his client, the notice party developer, Michael Ryan.

He only received the board’s letter of concession on Monday morning so he needed some time to consider his client’s next steps, including potentially bringing a motion seeking to defend the permission.

Mr Keaney said he will need to digest the basis for the board’s concession, which relates to an EU environmental screening law, called an Appropriate Assessment.

The case is in court for mention again today, to give the developer an opportunity to review their actions - in light of An Bord Pleanala's decision to withdraw.

The development ties in with the proposed 'Field of Dreams' for the Waterford LGFA - with plans for a 16-acre site in Ballinroad, which was proposed to contain an eight lane international standard running track, a hockey pitch with a spectator stand, an underage pitch, club house, changing rooms, an ancillary car park, two all-weather basketball courts and two five-a-side pitches.

Jordan Norris joined Damien Tiernan in studio to discuss the latest developments.