4897/23
Permission for development at a site of approximately 0.16 ha, a Protected Structure (RPS No. 6437). The proposed development will consist of the: (a) Removal of (twentieth century) bollards on the Parnell Street frontage; (b) Removal of (twentieth century) bollards and railings on the Cavendish Row frontage; (c) Provision of hand-forged galvanised mild steel railings and piers with painted finish, on granite plinths, generally of overall height 1.5m, rising to 1.7m at pier locations, incorporating: (i) 1 No. vehicular service gate, (4.59m in width) on the Parnell Street frontage, adjacent to the Rotunda Hospital (a Protected Structure RPS No. 6419 and RPS No. 6420) (the gate will also be used by patrons to enter and exit shows); (ii) 1 No. cyclist and pedestrian gate (4.59m in width), on the Parnell Street/Cavendish Row junction. This gate will be used by staff and patrons entering and exiting shows; (iii) 1 No. blank gate (lift off panel in railings) (1.83m) to allow access to underground services on Cavendish Row, adjacent to the cyclist/pedestrian gate; and (iv) 1 No. blank gate (lift off panel in railings) (3.07m) to allow access to underground services opposite the former east entrance on Cavendish Row; and (d) Provision of all other associated site development works above and below ground.
Core Refusal Reason
Recommendation to grant permission as the proposal provides a justified response to documented anti-social behaviour and historical damage to the building fabric, while maintaining the character and setting of the protected structure and the O'Connell Street Architectural Conservation Area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The reinstatement of railings is a reasonable and desirable measure to avert documented anti-social behaviour and eliminate ongoing damage to the building's eighteenth-century historic fabric.
- Historical evidence confirms the forecourt was an enclosed space for 169 years (circa 1784-1953), supporting the argument that re-enclosure is consistent with the evolving historical context of the site.
- The high-quality, traditional design is fully reversible and will not result in a significant adverse visual impact on the principal elevations of the protected structure or the surrounding Architectural Conservation Area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal seeks permission to remove modern bollards and install hand-forged galvanised mild steel railings on granite plinths (1.5m-1.7m high) with access gates at the Ambassador Theatre, a nationally significant protected structure at the junction of O'Connell Street and Parnell Street. Dublin City Council originally refused the application, arguing it would set an undesirable precedent for enclosing public space and injure the visual amenity of the O'Connell Street ACA. However, the Inspec...PDF Document Missing
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