Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor’s proposal to revamp the former Waterside bar in Howth, Co Dublin has met with disapproval from locals. The plan entails pulling down the current four- and two-storey structure on Harbour Road, to be replaced by a four- and five-storey “boutique hotel” incorporating a rooftop “residents’ terrace area”. A ground-floor pub would persist in the new design.
Monica Lambert, living in Dunbo Hill, Howth, located behind the bar, has voiced opposition to the rooftop terrace being included in the newly envisioned property. The concept of the terrace, being an unusual feature in this context, suggests that it would surely be employed for rambunctious gatherings akin to those in Ibiza, she inferred in her communication to Fingal County Council. According to her, the characteristics of such frivolities would be utterly disparate with the serene, residential neighbourhood.
Lambert criticised the proposal as nonchalantly overlooking any potential negative fallout the redevelopment may have on the society and the surroundings, implying it was an overambitious plan. “The unveiled rooftop would be subject to usage by bars, private parties, and events, blaring sound, and not considering its place and the fellow residents”, she expressed.
Noel Loftus, resident beside Waterside, is concerned that his property’s existing private balcony area would be severely affected by the intended terrace, being overlooked and overshadowed.
Another couple, Nigel and Gail Clarke, inhabitants of Church Street which is behind the Waterside, share the privacy invasion worry, being directly overlooked by the proposed terrace. The couple fears the officially permitted usage of the roof terrace as a public space would traditionally disturb the quiet of Howth with additional noise and disorder.
Monica Creenane, a 54-year resident of Dunbo Hill, expressed concerns to the council about a potential invasion of her privacy and household security by the roof terrace. She also stressed the importance of valuing the historical importance of Howth.
Patrick and Louise Rickard, residing in Dunbo Hill, conveyed to the council their concerns regarding the proposed construction, arguing that it would not fit seamlessly with the historic 19th-century surrounding environment. Moreover, Siobhan Clifford, a long-time local dweller, emphasised the crucial need for preservation of Howth’s architectural heritage to avoid any further disturbances.
The potential blockage of views brought about by the proposed building was one of the main issues voiced by numerous residents. The Rickards specifically expressed worries about the proposed roof area hindering the view from Howth Terrace, located behind the proposed site, towards the harbour.
In a statement, the Rickards illustrated the uniqueness of the district with its blend of charming old-style streets and surprise vistas of the harbour, extending as far as Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island. They emphasised how this area is often among the first stops tourists make when visiting Howth, following the harbour, and if the plan is to boost tourism, it should be protected.
Ms Creenane drafted objections stating that the potential development could obstruct the harbour’s view from Dunbo Hill, further stressing the necessity to recognise Howth’s historical significance.
Concerns about possible increases in traffic and parking issues were also put forward, seen as a natural consequence of the planned development.
The Waterside’s development is proposed by G Boppers Limited, with Alan Geraghty, a registered director of G Boppers Limited, purchasing the Waterside on behalf of McGregor in 2022—the Business Post shared this information in March.
Howth has seen its fair share of planning disputes in recent years, this being the latest.
Citizens have previously campaigned against the building of flats on the grounds of the formerly known Bailey Court Hotel, challenging An Bord Pleanála’s authorisation for the works in the High Court. However, the Marlet Property Group eventually received permission for the construction of 180 residential units in March of the previous year.
In another instance, due to local protests, the creation of 162 units at Deer Park in Howth was paused last year when the High Court overturned An Bord Pleanála’s granting of permission to GLL PRS Holdco for the project. Despite a recommendation to turn down the proposal from Fingal County Council, permission had initially been granted by the board back in 2021.