U2's music studio in Dublin docks must be retained as it served as a landmark, the band's lawyer told a planning hearing yesterday. This was despite an indication the day before that the band were willing to compromise.
The band continued to argue that the studio on Hanover Quay, where it has recorded four albums and has started recording new material this year, should not be demolished.
The Dublin Docks Development Authority (DDDA) has issued a compulsory purchase order on the building.
The band's continuing stance against demolition on the second day of An Bord Pleanála's hearing has created confusion.
The night before, at the completion of the first day of submissions, U2's public relations company issued a statement which said U2 would "definitely consider moving to somewhere in the vicinity should a suitable property be offered as an alternative". It also stated that the band had entered talks with the DDDA.
However, the planning hearing yesterday continued to hear submissions from U2's legal team and other objectors to the proposed demolition of buildings overlooking the water.
On Tuesday, Mr Mark Adamson of the DDDA told the hearing there was a meeting with the parties last August and further meetings and discussions had been ongoing since then.
It is understood nothing has been agreed. The DDDA plans a €2 billion (£1.58 billion) development incorporating shops, restaurants, pubs, residential properties and public amenity areas on 24 acres.
Yesterday, Mr Garrett Simons, counsel for U2, told the hearing: "My client's structure must be retained. It serves as a landmark and will continue to do so."
Mr Trevor Bowen, business partner of U2's manager, Mr Paul McGuinness, said in a submission that the band had been at the premises since 1994.
The band had invested heavily in the development of the studio over the last seven years. The investment was tangible in both artistic and monetary terms.
"The name of U2 is now synonymous with the area, the premises is purpose-built and internationally renowned and fully meets the band's ongoing recording needs and as such, we see no valid reason for the issue and upholding of the current CPO", Mr Bowen said. Another objector is businessman Mr Harry Crosbie, who has two units under CPO on either side of his 18th century house, which is being retained as a preserved building.
Also objecting is eMuse Technology Ltd, an interactive television company, with offices in a building owned by Mr Crosbie. They submitted that the business would be destroyed if they moved.
The DDDA contends the buildings would take up such a significant section of quayside they would frustrate the scheme.
Yesterday, a member of the public, Mr Michael Heery, Dublin, told the hearing he was a boat-owner and he agreed with the CPOs. As a user of the Basin for 15 years, he said there was ever increasing encroachment by development of the public areas.
The hearing concluded yesterday. Presiding inspector, Mr Pádraic Thornton, will report to An Bord Pleanála.