Developer Dave Cullen has received some very unwelcome news from An Bord Pleanala on his plans to develop a bar and restaurant on the former Blazes restaurant site in Lower Exchange Street in the west end of Temple Bar. Even though the city planners gave approval for the development last April, Cullen has now been refused planning permission by the board. The unequivocal wording used by the board will undoubtedly serve as a warning to other entrepreneurs who may be thinking of cashing on the booming pub and restaurant business in Temple Bar.

"Having regard to the proximity of the site to existing residential property, the extent of public bars/restaurants in the vicinity and in the Temple Bar area generally, and the scale of the proposed restaurant/public bar, it is considered that the proposed development, by reason of the late night activity and associated disturbance which it would generate, would seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity and would therefore be contrary of the proper planning and development of the area." With the 189 apartments under construction in the west end of Temple Bar, the planning decision - taken at the behest of Temple Bar Properties - will reduce the spill-over of further bars and restaurants into this area. It will also reinforce TBP's decision to limit the growth of the licensed trade in Temple Bar.