Johnny Ronan firm claims Bewley's want taxpayer to pay its Grafton Street rent

In December, Bewley's sought the waiver of rent until next March and a reduction for the rest of the lease term, due to Covid closures

The six Harry Clarke stained glass windows, located on the ground floor, are estimated to be worth more than €1m, according to RGRE.

A company of developer Johnny Ronan claims the operators of Bewley's Café in Dublin's Grafton Street want the taxpayer to foot their rent obligations by suggesting they will donate the Harry Clarke stained glass windows in the premises to the Irish people.

Donation of a heritage item to the State attracts a tax credit of 80% of its value which means Bewley's would be getting the taxpayer to fund its rent obligations, RGRE Grafton Ltd, landlord of the premises, has claimed.