Dublin restaurateur Gina Murphy is objecting to new plans for a five-storey, mixed-use development on Dublin’s Merrion Row.
The owner of Hugo’s restaurant at 6 Merrion Row, Ms Murphy has told Dublin City Council that the mixed-use plans “would have significant adverse effects on the businesses and neighbouring premises in the surrounding area”.
Last month, Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland DAC lodged plans to demolish buildings at 13 and 13a Merrion Row and 12 and 5 Merrion Court and in their place construct a four- and five-storey mixed-use scheme that would include mainly office use along with retail and restaurant use and three residential town houses.
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The mainly vacant site formerly housed the Unicorn restaurant.
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In her four-page objection, Ms Murphy told the council that Hugo’s has been a cherished establishment and an integral part of the local community for over 16 years. It currently employs 26 people.
Ms Murphy said that the proposed development opposite “threatens to cast a real and tangible shadow over Hugo’s restaurant and its outdoor dining terrace, significantly reducing the natural sunlight Hugo’s receives”.
Ms Murphy told the council “this reduction in sunlight not only affects the aesthetics of the restaurant but also diminishes the overall dining experience, particularly during daylight hours”.
Ms Murphy – who was a vocal advocate for the restaurant sector during the pandemic – further told the council “given the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have already severely impacted our lunchtime trade, any further disruptions have the potential to jeopardise all our businesses and close us down”.
Planning consultant for the applicants John Spain told the council the site was well-placed for a “proposed high-quality mixed-use development”.
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Mr Spain stated that “the proposed four floors of office use will provide an option for firms who may be seeking smaller, high-quality space in the city centre”.
He added that the scheme “also seeks to revitalise and enliven Merrion Court which is currently unwelcoming and untidy”.
Mr Spain stated that the scheme would introduce “an element of high-quality modern architecture to the location” while the proposals “had regard to the use and amenity of neighbouring properties through a sensitive design and layout which also ensures an excellent environment for residents”.
A decision is expected next month.
