Decision on €750m Northern Quarter project delayed

A planning decision on a multi million euro revamp of one of Dublin city centre's busy shopping areas has been delayed, it emerged today.

An announcement on the ambitious scheme, spearheaded by Arnotts, was expected yesterday but An Bord Pleanála said the deadline had been put back due to the volume of work, with a new date not yet fixed.

The leading department store aims to ambitiously transform the area, a proposal backed by Dublin City Council but appealed by a number of objectors.

If successful, the €750m plan would create a new shopping, entertainment and residential zone, called the Northern Quarter, on a 5.5-acre site with new shops, restaurants, apartments and an hotel.

"The decision isn't imminent," a spokesman for An Bord Pleanála said.

"I don't see that decision being made this week and I don't see it being made next week under any circumstances.

"I don't see anything happening for the next five to seven working days.

"It's the volume of work beating the board at the minute," he said.

The three-year redevelopment plan comprises 47 new shops, 17 cafes, restaurants and bars, around 180 apartments, a four-star hotel and spa and a stunning new central square.

The Northern Quarter, an area in the north side bounded by Henry Street, O'Connell Street, Abbey Street and Liffey Street, will be regenerated into a lively new shopping and entertainment zone.

Buildings involved in the transformation of the eight acre block include Arnotts, the former Independent Newspapers site on Abbey Street and Pennys.

Parts of the inspirational project will be eight storeys high and will feature a roof garden and restaurant overlooking the city.

The plans see the creation of a new street by extending Princes' Street, between the GPO and Pennys, and linking Abbey Street, Henry Street and O'Connell Street through a meeting square.

There would also be 683 car-parking spaces.

The scheme has come up against stiff resistance however with eight appeals lodged to An Bord Pleanála by various parties, including An Post, An Taisce and the Railway Procurement Agency, after Dublin City Council granted permission last July.

Fears about job security have also been expressed by staff at the store after it emerged hundreds of positions could be lost during the project.