An Bord Pleanála has approved planning permission for a major redevelopment of the former Iveagh Markets and a number of surrounding sites in Dublin's Liberties.
The Iveagh Markets element of the development will involve the refurbishment of the existing markets building for use as a "multi function market and retail centre".
The development will also include two basement levels, a pub, a six-storey hotel and two six-storey blocks described jointly as an "aparthotel".
The proposed scheme, to face the historic Tailors' Hall, was described as a "monolithic six-storey cliff" by An Taisce, which operates out of Tailors' Hall and which was among the objectors.
The permission, which is subject to 24 conditions, details a "mixed-use scheme" on two sites separated by Lamb Alley, with a total site area of 0.663 hectares.
It incorporates the markets and an adjacent plot to the north of the market building occupied mainly by 20-21 Francis Street and 8 Lamb Alley.
The scheme also includes amendments to a previously permitted scheme for the Mother Redcaps market, public house and offices on a site of about 0.235 hectares.
The project was large enough to warrant an environmental impact statement. In addition to the usual development levies the developer Lord Iveagh Hotels and Markets Limited - understood to be businessman and developer Martin Keane - is required to make a financial contribution to the cost of Metro North, the proposed underground link between St Stephen's Green and Swords.
In its conditions An Bord Pleanála stipulated that the proposed basement and sub-basement of the Iveagh Markets should not be used as a pub or nightclub. There is however a pub elsewhere in the overall development and a nightclub in the sub-basement of the hotel.
The conditions also stipulated that the existing character of the markets area should be protected with clear-glazed entrance doors. The board said there should be no security shutters .
In relation to the proposed hotel at 20-21 Francis Street and 8 Lamb Alley, the board deleted part of a sixth floor function room. It also said a new plinth wall, railings and gate proposed for Lamb Alley should be designed in accordance with historic details.
Number 8 Lamb Alley, a protected structure, would be converted into an independent public house of 138sq m (1,485sq ft). It also allows for an outdoor seated dining and drinking area adjacent to the Market Passage which runs along the northern edge of the Iveagh Markets building. There would also be an outdoor area of this kind fronting Lamb Alley.
The conditions inserted by the board also instructed that five ground floor apartments in the aparthotel should be replaced with commercial units, while roof gardens should be screened to prevent overlooking of existing households.
Another condition requires that the aparthotel units should not be used as permanent residences and should be occupied only on short term leases of less than 90 days. It is also required to have 24 hour reception and security facilities.
The Iveagh Markets site, Mother Redcaps site and the hotel site, which are in an historic area of Dublin City, are also to be the subject of archaeological "test trenching" before construction work commences.
Much of the remaining conditions relate to the preservation of a city wall at Lamb Alley, as well as the phasing of construction works.
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