Massey Bros, a funeral services company, is set to unveil their latest funeral home in Dublin, located adjacent to the Goat Bar and Grill in Goatstown, which is run by well-known publican, Charlie Chawke. This follows Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s final approval, after competitive funeral directors, Fanagans, decided not to contest the ruling with An Bord Pleanála.
Previously, Fanagans had protested the plan to build another funeral home, suggesting there was no local demand for more funeral facilities. Susan Guinan, Managing Director of Massey Bros expressed her relief and excitement that no contention was submitted to An Bord Pleanála. In a statement, she conveyed her enthusiasm about their 10th branch launching in Dublin, and hopes to see it operational by summer’s end.
According to Ms. Guinan, once the building was available for lease, she reached out to Mr. Chawke for a discussion. Mr. Chawke has reportedly provided much-needed support throughout the process.
Almost three years ago, An Bord Pleanála dismissed a massive €186m apartment project proposal for the site of Goat Bar and Grill. Mr. Chawke has hinted his plans to submit altered plans in the following couple of months. He believes, his revised project aligns more closely with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s vision for the area.
The approval for the funeral home comes simultaneously with new accounts from Mr. Chawke’s Old Orchard Inn pub in Rathfarnham detailing an after-tax profit of €572,649 for the latest 12 months until April 2023. This represents a considerable 45% increase from the previous year’s €394,896.
Although the pub’s performance was as expected, Mr. Chawke explained that increased VAT, surging energy expenses and heightened interest rates have made it tough to make a profit. According to the Old Orchard Inn’s company, College Inns Ltd, their accumulated profits were placed at €3.4 million at the end of April 2023.
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