Campaign against hotel plan stepped up

PROTESTERS who are opposing an ambitious hotel development at Vicar Street are stepping up their campaign.

Another demonstration at the site, which is home to the iconic music venue that is owned by developer Harry Crosbie, was to take place over the weekend.

It was led by People Before Profit Councillor, Tina MacVeigh, who urged locals and other community groups to get together and resist the plan.

“For the past two Saturdays, we have raised awareness of these issues with two vibrant protests which have attracted attention all across the city,” Cllr MacVeigh said.

“The appeal process for the hotel is underway. And now that the appeal has been granted, more people will be able to submit their names and express their views.

“We would ask anybody who would like to submit their name to the appeal to please get in contact with the campaign.

“It is encouraging to see that local residents are determined to make sure their voices are heard. This community has been ignored for too long.

“It is hugely important that we unite with other community campaigns in this area and work together to create the type of place we want to live in. We are demanding green spaces, community facilities and proper, affordable residential housing. These are vital for a sustainable community we can call our own.”

Cllr MacVeigh added: “I will be calling another meeting with residents in the next few weeks so that more views can be heard and we can ensure a united approach.”

Permission to develop the new eight-storey, 185-bedroom hotel at Vicar Street in the Liberties was granted by Dublin City Council in January.

At the time a spokesperson for the development stated that construction of the new hotel was scheduled to start within the next few weeks, with the venue planned to open in 2020.

However, plans suffered a setback the following month when the decision was appealed and it is understood that it is now not due to be heard until later this summer.