The former chairman of An Taisce, Michael Smith, has promised to challenge plans to redevelop the U2-owned Clarence Hotel into a city landmark.

Mr Smith said that if An Bord Pleanala allowed the application to go through, he would take legal action to save the architectural integrity of the Quays.

Lord Foster, the renowned architect has vowed the restoration of U2’s Clarence Hotel would “define Dublin” in a similar way that the Savoy is synonymous with London.

-- Advertisement --

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr Smith said: "The Planning Act of 2000 meant that listed buildings can be demolished in exceptional circumstances. Upgrading a hotel from a four-and-a-half star to a five star does not fall into this category. We have to be careful about what we do to alter the balance of such an important streetscape. This is the biggest demolition of protected structures in years."

He continued: "I would hope that An Bord Pleanala would refuse this application, but if they don’t I am prepared to litigate it myself and challenge it."

The redevelopment of the Clarence would see an expansion of 49 rooms to 140, and it will be topped by a "skyscraper" glass dome and a Viking boat-shaped atrium running up to the roof.

(JM)