The EU's environmental body is reportedly using Dublin as an example of what not to do when it comes to urban planning.
Reports this morning say the European Environment Agency has identified Dublin's urban sprawl as a "worst-case scenario" in city planning.
It reportedly says "extremely passive" planning policies have also led to undesirable urban sprawl in towns and villages throughout Ireland.
The assessment is contained in a study designed to help new EU member states like Poland avoid making the same mistakes.