Crosbie on a high as €8m wheel sees off challenge from Docklands Authority

Businessman Harry Crosbie is set to win the race to build Dublin's answer to the London Eye.

The developer and concert promoter has confirmed that work on his giant €8m observation wheel outside the O2 theatre will start in February.

Meanwhile, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) has put its own plans for a big wheel on hold after Mr Crosbie secured planning approval.

He was granted four-year permission by Dublin City Council for the attraction despite plans by the DDDA for its own big wheel in the area.

If both projects went ahead, the city would have two almost identical attractions just 1km apart.

Mr Crosbie's Dublin observation wheel will offer visitors stunning views of the capital from 60m up -- around the same height as Liberty Hall and just under half as tall as the London Eye.

A contractor has been selected and pre-built sections of the wheel will be assembled on site.

When complete, it will stand parallel to the east wall of the 02 and will complement a planned civic square. It will benefit from the opening of a Luas link next month.

The DDDA plan was to build an observation wheel at George's Dock or Custom House Quay.

However, a DDDA spokesman said: "The tender process is currently on hold given the recent planning decision in relation to a similar big wheel at the Point Village."

The authority had made a submission to Dublin City Council when Mr Crosbie lodged his application, saying that the planning scheme for the area did not envisage "a development of the type proposed".

"The proposal, albeit temporarily, would delay the implementation of a previously certified development for a mixed-use building," the DDDA said.

There will be 42 glass-sided observation "gondolas" suspended from Mr Crosbie's wheel.

The planning application points to the success of similar ventures in cities such as Belfast.

Mr Crosbie's wheel is intended to attract both O2 customers and people visiting his new civic space outside the venue.

The space, named The Parlour, will be designed to host concerts, theatre, ceilis and dances, political rallies and a weekly produce market.

However, a planning application for the development was declared invalid for technical reasons last week. Mr Crosbie's spokesman said he intended to re-apply for permission for the square in the near future.

aphelan@herald.ie

- Andrew Phelan