Council asks hotel backers for assurances that Temple Bar expansion will not lead to antisocial behaviour

Dublin City Council has asked the backers of a large hotel extension in Dublin’s Temple Bar to take measures that ensure it will not lead to antisocial behaviour.

In August, Ampbay Ltd lodged plans to increase the size of the Paramount Hotel on Parliament Street from 66 to 108 bedrooms.

However, placing the scheme on hold, the city council planners have asked the applicants to respond to third-party concerns that the plan will have a negative impact on the locality and lead to antisocial behaviour.

The council asked Ampbay to address this issue and to supply sufficient comfort to the council, in the form of a robust management plan or equivalent, to ensure the proposal will not have a detrimental impact on local businesses or nearby/adjoining residents.

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Planning consultant for Ampbay, Brock McClure, told the council that the proposed hotel extension would represent a planning gain on a number of grounds.

These include providing additional much sought-after tourist accommodation to meet City Development Plan targets and maximising land potential at the prominent location.

However, Armstrong Planning on behalf of residents of Old City apartments in Temple Bar said there is genuine concern that the proposed development will increase opportunities for littering, loitering, graffiti and antisocial behaviour.

David Armstrong said the former Paramount hotel is in use as accommodation for ‘protected persons’. He said expanding the existing operations at the former Paramount Hotel to such an extent will incur significant negative impact on residential amenities in the area.

The objection claimed that if permission is granted, it will pose an “unacceptable impact” due to increased opportunities for antisocial behaviour.

Another objection lodged on behalf of the management and residents of the Cutlers Building at Parliament Street and Exchange Street echoed the concerns of the Old City apartment residents.

On their behalf, Michael Malone of Ceardean Architects told the council that his clients have serious concerns over the ongoing use of the building at the Paramount Hotel.

Mr Malone states that the residential amenity his clients have previously enjoyed is now eroded by the service provided at the Paramount Hotel.

He said: “They object to the development, which is an expansion of the current use, unless explicitly detailed and conditioned, which will detract substantially from the use and enjoyment of their homes.”