'Bonkers' Grafton St plan slammed as Stephen's Green demolition looms
Dublin councillors have slammed the "bonkers" hypocrisy of introducing new Grafton Street heritage protections while simultaneously approving the controversial demolition of the iconic St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre .
At the South East Area Committee meeting, councillors were presented with a scheme to protect Grafton Street’s status as a “premier retail destination” with protections put in to “prevent the erosion of its retail function through inappropriate ground floor uses.” Senior Planner with Dublin City Council said the plan builds upon previous schemes enacted since Grafton Street was first designated as an area of special planning control in 2007.
Although councillors welcomed the objectives of the scheme, as it aims to stop an over concentration of “low quality” or non-retails uses on the street, many were quick to point out the irony that this is being presented shortly after the approved planning permission for a €100 million redevelopment/demolition of the St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. Green Party Cllr Claire Byrne described the situation as “bonkers” and asked “does nobody talk to each other in DCC?”
“How can you talk about streetscapes and architectural conversation areas on Grafton Street and that the same council has granted planning permission to demolish,” she said. “I get that it’s not as old as the other buildings, but it’s a pretty interesting building.
“This just beggars belief. I’d love to know how these two decisions have been made separately from each other. Surely St. Stephen’s Green’s Shopping Centre is the pinnacle to the top of Grafton St and you’re just ignoring that.”
Independent Cllr Mannix Flynn described the controversial St Stephen’s Green redesign as a “dubious, carbuncle, brutalist plan that everyone is annoyed about.” Similarly, Sinn Féin Cllr Kourtney Kenny said she hoped the protections granted to Grafton Street would provide a chance for some “joint up thinking” regarding the shopping centre redesign, which she said is “disgusting, no offense to the developer.”
Fianna Fáil Cllr Rory Hogan said he’s typically in favour of development and renewal but that “Stephen’s Green is a step too far.” He said it is curious to see how one planning section can say one thing that contradicts the other, asking “do you work together?”
Referencing the protest staged against the Stephen’s Green redesign last Saturday, Green Party Cllr Hazel Chu said “the anger is very warranted at this stage.” She expressed frustration about a presentation “telling us look how shiny Grafton Street can be” while the surrounding areas are ignored.
Mr Ward explained that St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre falls outside the architectural conservation area, but its zoning requirements does have to take into account “the character of the area.” As a live planning application, Mr Ward did not wish to comment on the details around the shopping centre’s planning.
He outlined the ‘Grafton St – Special Planning Control Scheme’ as relating to the design, use of structures, and advertising on the street. One aspect is that de-exempt changes of use would require planning permission which provides the council with greater control over what businesses are permissible on Grafton Street. He said without this in place businesses could change use of premises without an application or public consultation.
The Grafton St – Special Planning Control Scheme is hoped to be put forward to councillors at the June monthly council meeting. This will be followed by an eight-week public consolation period over summer 2026, before members approve the scheme in November.
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