Dublin City Council Rejects Planning Permission for New Hotel Citing Housing Crisis
Dublin City Council has denied planning permission for a new 111-bedroom hotel in Dublin city centre, citing the ongoing housing crisis as the primary reason. The proposed hotel, located at 19-24 St Andrew’s Street, Dublin 2, would have involved converting three floors from office space to hotel rooms and constructing a new six-story extension. However, the council believes that given the housing crisis and the city’s emphasis on promoting mixed-use development with a focus on residential properties, converting the upper floors to a hotel does not align with the best use of the site.
The site is situated less than 500 meters away from College Green and Grafton Street, two popular areas in Dublin. Despite the endorsement of the scheme by Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, the council remained firm in its refusal. Shane Dineen from Fáilte Ireland stated that the proposed hotel would help address the shortage of tourist accommodation in Dublin. Lizzie Donnelly, a representative from planning consultants Tom Phillips + Associates, also expressed support for the scheme, highlighting its sensitive design and minimal impact on the surrounding context. However, the council’s decision was influenced by the need to prioritize long-term residential rental properties in Dublin, given the increasing demand for apartments and other forms of residential accommodation.
In addition to the housing crisis, the council also cited concerns about the impact on the architectural character and setting of the building, which is a protected structure. The refusal to grant planning permission for the hotel extension in Temple Bar further emphasizes the council’s commitment to preserving the character and integrity of protected structures in the city. Ampbay Ltd had sought permission to expand the Paramount Hotel on Parliament Street from a 66-bedroom hotel to a 108-bedroom hotel. However, the council concluded that the proposed development would result in overdevelopment, fail to integrate with the existing and surrounding buildings, and adversely affect the character and setting of protected structures.
These refusals come at a time when Dublin is facing a shortage of both affordable housing and tourist accommodation. The council’s decision aligns with the city’s development plan, which emphasizes the need for mixed-use development with a focus on residential properties. With the demand for long-term residential rental properties continuing to rise, the council aims to prioritize solutions that address the housing crisis and provide suitable accommodation options for residents.
Developers and investors in Dublin need to consider the city’s housing needs when planning new projects. While the tourism industry plays a significant role in Dublin’s economy, the council’s decision highlights the importance of striking a balance between tourism accommodation and long-term residential rental properties. Future proposals should take into account the city’s development plan, architectural character, and the increasing demand for housing in order to have a higher chance of securing planning permission.
Dublin City Council’s refusal of planning permission for a new hotel in the city centre underscores the pressing need to address the ongoing housing crisis. By prioritizing mixed-use development with a focus on residential properties, the council aims to provide long-term rental accommodation options for the growing population. Developers and investors should consider the city’s development plan and the demand for housing when proposing new projects in Dublin.
