Thousands of U2 fans have signed a petition in opposition to plans by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) to demolish the band's main recording studio in Dublin.
The petition, which has been signed in several languages by more than 2,000 fans from around the world, will be hand-delivered to An Bord Pleanála before today's oral hearing of objections to the DDDA's plans.
The DDDA placed a compulsory purchase order (CPO) on the studios at Hanover Quay in August, saying it wished to demolish the studio and some adjoining buildings to create a public amenity at the quayside.
Four objections in the names of the band's members were lodged with An Bord Pleanála, and it is the oral hearing of these objections which begins this morning at Dublin's Gresham Hotel.
The fan who initiated the petition on the Internet is Mr Fintan Kennedy, originally from Portlaoise and now working in Dublin.
"I am simply a U2 fan and have been for over 21 years. U2 were/are the band of my generation, just like the Beatles or Elvis were to other generations. I certainly believe that the Hanover Studios are as important as Sun Studios or Abbey Road," he said.
"In the mid-1970s Liverpool City Council went and demolished The Cavern Club, which was cherished by Beatles fans worldwide. It was actually rebuilt a few years ago but much of it is missing. Landmarks like this only really become cherished after the bands retire. I have no doubt that Hanover Studio will be greatly missed in the years to come if it is demolished.
"We should recognise that this is an example of Ireland's musical heritage which should be cherished. Thousands of international fans visit us each year to walk in U2's footsteps. Obviously, all places that are associated with U2 can't be preserved. However the important ones like Hanover Studios should be."
When the DDDA announced its plans for a compulsory purchase order of the studios, U2's manager, Mr Paul McGuinness, reacted angrily. He said it was an outrageous decision and said the studio was the band's workplace and where three albums, including their most recent, All That You Can't Leave Behind, were recorded.
However, earlier this month the band indicated it was in discussions with the DDDA and might drop its objection if an alternative premises was provided by the dockland authorities for their studios. It appears the negotiations were unsuccessful.
The petition from U2 fans can be accessed on the internet at www.saveu2studio.com