Thomas Street aparthotel greenlit despite local pushback
An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted permission for construction of an aparthotel in the Liberties - despite local pushback.
In spite of protests and demonstrations from locals and politicians, plans for a new aparthotel at 144 Thomas Street have been approved by Dublin City Council following a rejected appeal. The six-storey development includes the provision of 80 self-contained units, 12 cycle parking spaces, a ground level café, a bar, and a roof terrace.
An appeal submitted by Sinn Féin TD Máire Devine and Welthomas Property Limited was rejected, with the decision stating the development “would not give rise to an overconcentration of visitor accommodation in the area” and would make a “positive contribution to the streetscape”. While objections highlighted the need for more community facilities and social housing in the area over catering to tourists and visitors, the decision noted the development's obligation to provide 5% toward community , arts and culture spaces. A further concern was that the building would give rise to a significant loss of daylight and sunlight for nearby residents, but an inspector decided a refusal on these grounds was not warranted.
The planning was approved under certain conditions. The ground floor café and fifth floor bar and events space should be generally accessible to the public during normal hours. Additionally, no amplified music or entertainment noise emissions will be permitted in the bar and rooftop area.
The aparthotel will only provide short-term accommodation for a maximum stay of two months and units cannot be used for independent or permanent living. Building works must be carried out between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 2pm on Saturday. No building works should take place on Sunday or public holidays without written agreement.
Ms Devine expressed disappointment at the decision over social media and said that An Coimisiún Pleanála and Dublin City Council have a “duty of care” to this city and “our Old Town must not be forgotten”. “We’re going to plot and plan because they are not listening to us,” she said.
“I’m going to get together with the heads of the Liberties who have been active on this and get back to you with our plans.” She spoke about the importance of protecting the “working class history” of the Liberties and said a request for an oral hearing where residents could outline their vision for the area has been rejected on two occasions.
She described the aparthotel as an "inappropriate development for the Liberties” and spoke about the public sector's duties under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014. “They have to take into account the surrounding area and the people’s common good,” she said.
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