The proposed demolition of the main recording studio used by the rock band U2 in Dublin has been put on hold because of objections from the public.
The studio, on Hanover Quay, came under a compulsory purchase order from the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) last month. The DDDA plans to develop a public amenity at the Quayside.
An Bord Pleanala has confirmed that four valid objections have been lodged and all proposed work must stop until a final decision on the planned development has been made.
An oral hearing of the objections is scheduled to take place in November with a final decision expected next January. U2's manager, Mr Paul McGuinness, had reacted angrily to the proposal and added the band had no wish to move from its Irish headquarters, where it has recorded three albums and which he described as a "fully equipped state-of-the-art recording studio".
A businessman, Mr Harry Crosbie, who would lose two adjoining studio buildings on the dockland if the decision is upheld, was critical of the planned development. However, a nearby warehouse which Mr Crosbie has converted into a house is a listed building and so would not be affected.
"I feel it's stupid that a band of historic proportions like U2 should be treated like that given what they have done for this country. To remove their studios and put in more of that cursed red brick along the quays is outlandishly stupid," Mr Crosbie said.
