Ireland: Plans for an aparthotel on the site of the former Scruffy Murphy’s pub have been blocked by An Bord Pleanala (ABP).
An application had been made to demolish the Dublin watering hole at Grand Canal Dock and build a six storey aparthotel. The 36-key scheme, along with a restaurant, bar and cafe, was turned down for a number of reasons, one being the negative effect on local residents.
ABP recognised that while there would have been a large concentration of people before the pub closed in 2016, the planned development would “lead to an intensification of activity in this predominantly residential area”.
The decision comes after Dublin City Council had given the plan the go-ahead and an inspector within ABP also advised that the development be given the green light, subject to a number of conditions.
The inspector had initially said the number of floors in the development would have to be reduced. This was appealed by the applicant, Tim O’Connor, who said it would decrease the number of suites by eight and would affect the project’s commercial viability.
The decision comes shortly after Dublin planners refused an aparthotel extension to the Ashling Hotel.
