DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL is taking enforcement procedures against Dunnes Stores on Grafton Street for erecting gates outside its front entrance.
Earlier this month, homelessness action groups expressed their outrage at the construction of the gate.
Cairdeas, an organisation which helps feed the homeless, previously used the area in front of the store to set up a food stall.
Rough sleepers
The group believes the barriers were put up to prevent homeless people from sleeping there and called for the gates to be taken down.
The team said it also asked Dunnes Stores if it could be allocated a key for the gate and be responsible for the area, but the request was refused.
A letter seen by TheJournal.ie from Dublin City Council confirms that enforcement procedures have been initiated in accordance with Part VII of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2015.
A statement from Dublin City Council said its planning enforcement section received a complaint of an unauthorised development at Dunnes Stores on Grafton Street on 5 September 2016.
It said the complaint related to the erection of gates at the entrance.
A file was opened and a warning letter has [been] issued to Dunnes Stores in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
An investigation is underway and the area planning inspector has inspected the premises.
A period of four weeks will be allowed for a response to the warning letter after which time a decision will be made on enforcement.
Sinn Féin Councillor for South Dublin County Council Enda Fanning said:”As Dublin City Council has now commenced enforcement proceedings, I think Dunnes Stores should do the right thing and remove the gates immediately.”
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