An Bord Pleanála is set to decide today whether to allow Dublin City Council to compulsorily purchase Dartmouth Square in the Ranelagh area of Dublin.
The council has issued a compulsory purchase order for the park, which is owned by Athlone businessman Noel O'Gara.
Mr O'Gara wants to use the land as a car park, but a High Court injunction has prevented him from carrying out his plans.
The move has led to protests from Ranelagh residents, who say the park is a local amenity that should never be transformed into a car park.