The planned €500 million transformation by Hammerson of the 5.5-acre plot stretching from O'Connell Street to Moore Street in Dublin has been put on hold.
This follows an appeal being lodged by a street trader, Peter Hickey, and others against one of the two Dublin City Council decisions giving the project the green light.
UK property group Hammerson lodged three applications for a retail, office and residential scheme last June on the city block formerly known as the Carlton site. One of the three applications remains before Dublin City Council awaiting decision.
However, Mr Hickey and others have lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála for a fresh appraisal of permission granted for a large part of the mixed-use scheme, including a hotel, by the city council.
The closing date for appeals is not until February 8th. Due to the large number of objections against the scheme more appeals are expected.
In his initial objection against the scheme, Mr Hickey said he was an authorised licensed street trader with a pitch at the junction of Henry Place and Henry Street.
“While I welcome the redevelopment of the area and the improvements it will bring, the demolition and rebuilding will inevitably create an environment of constant noise and dust,” he said.
“Due to my stall’s close proximity to the project, I believe it will be impossible for me to continue trading for the duration of the works.”
A number of well known Sinn Féin figures have also objected to the scheme, including former party president, Gerry Adams.
In his objection, Mr Adams contended that the Hammerson application does not adequately recognise Moore Street as a place or town place that is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic and cultural interest and will not secure, protect or preserve all 1916 elements on site.
However, supporting the scheme, Fáilte Ireland noted the substantial site "has been vacant for decades and its redevelopment is long overdue and to be welcomed".
“The development will also assist the sustainable growth of tourism in Dublin by attracting more visitors to the north side of the city and the proposal has the potential to support further regeneration of the north inner city including the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter,” the agency said.
