Council's plan to ban charity shops from Grafton St draws criticism

A plan to ban charity shops from the Grafton Street area of Dublin's city centre is attracting widespread criticism.

City Councillors have drawn up draft proposals to clear the street of any retail outlets they believe detract from its character.

All future hairdressers, mobile phone stores, fast-food outlets - and a long list of other shops - will have to apply for special planning permission before they can open.

Local Fianna Fáil Cllr Jim O'Callaghan is denying the plan will force existing shops off the street.

He said: "You can't remove stores that have already been there for a very long time.

"For instance, there is a large number of mobile phone shops on Grafton Street, so it is not possible to move them.

"What it does do for the future is that it seeks to ensure that planning for the street reflects the desire of the city council to have certain high-quality shops on the street."