DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL needs to guard against the ‘dire prospect’ of the new rooftop restaurant and bar on the top of the old Central Bank becoming another loud pub and nightclub.
That is according to the Temple Bar Residents group which has called on Dublin City Council to impose a condition that bans amplified musical performance in the penthouse.
Last month, Hines and Peterson lodged plans for a €75 million redevelopment of the building that includes a new pub and 300 seat rooftop restaurant.
Consultants for the developers state that the 360 degree viewing deck planned for the top of the old Central Bank building “will become a very popular tourist destination for tourists and an additional tourist attraction to visit whilst in Dublin”.
The consultants state that the rooftop will be a social meeting space with the focus on beverages and events with a complimentary food offering.
In a submission on the plans, chairman of the Temple Bar Residents group, Frank McDonald gives the plan to refurbish the ‘iconic’ building a broad welcome but noted it with amazement that the building hasn’t been designated a protected structure.
“We see this overall development as something that could ‘raise the game’ in Temple Bar, providing a new destination attraction for Dubliners and visitors alike,” McDonald says.
However, the former Irish Times environment journalist adds:
But while verbal assurances have been given that the penthouse restaurant/bar would be an upmarket offering, we believe that Dublin City Council planners need to ensure that it doesn’t become yet another loud pub/nightclub over time.
McDonald states that to guard against “such a dire prospect”, the council should prohibit live amplified musical performance in the penthouse and any other licensed premises in the scheme.
Mr McDonald adds: “There are already more than enough licensed premises in the area. If more are to be added, it is incumbent on the council to ensure that residential amenity is protected.
He says: “We do not want any more abuses of the neighbourhood of the type that has become all too commonplace as a result of such premises with reckless disregard for their neighbours.”
Temple Bar resident, Vincent Howard has told the planners that local residents are already being asked to suffer much higher levels of noise than would be allowed in any other residential area “and we shouldn’t be asked to take on another pub”.
Howard said that noise pollution in Temple Bar causes considerable problems for residents “and no authority seems to be able to tackle the problem”.
Another Temple Bar resident, Declan O’Brien has also called on the council to limit noise and entertainment break-out from the rooftop restaurant/bar.
“There is a danger they can add to the problems of the area and affect the ability of residents and visitors enjoy the area peaceably,” he says.
A decision is due on the application next month.
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