A planning decision on a revamp of one of Dublin city centre's busy shopping areas has been delayed.
An announcement on the scheme spearheaded by Arnotts was expected yesterday but An Bord Pleanála said the deadline had been put back due to the volume of work, with a new date not yet fixed.
The department store aims to transform the area in a proposal backed by Dublin City Council but appealed by a number of objectors.
If successful, the €750 million plan would create a new shopping, entertainment and residential zone, called the "Northern Quarter", on a 5.5-acre site with new shops, restaurants, apartments and an hotel.
A spokesman for An Bord Pleanála said: "I don't see that decision being made this week, and I don't see it being made next week under any circumstances. I don't see anything happening for the next five to seven working days.
"It's the volume of work beating the board at the minute," he said.
Under the plans, it is intended an area bounded by Henry Street, O'Connell Street, Abbey Street and Liffey Street will be regenerated as a shopping and entertainment zone in a three-year redevelopment plan.
Eight appeals to the planning have come from various parties - including An Post, An Taisce and the Railway Procurement Agency.
PA