Plans to redevelop one of Dublin's best-known traditional Irish music pubs, the Cobblestone pub, has been described as "cultural vandalism".
A hotel is proposed for the Smithfield site. The protected structure will be integrated into the new building as part of the plan.
An online petition to save the pub says the move will add to the city's cultural demise. More than 3,000 people have signed the petition.
Joe Costello, labour councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin is against the plans;
"I consider it cultural vandalism, that what we're doing is destroying protected structures and at the same time we're destroying a traditional music centre."
He said the area doesn't need another hotel.
It's one of a number of hotels planned for the city centre that are facing backlash. More than 13,000 people have signed a petition to save Dublin's Merchant's Arch.
Permission has been granted to demolish a building on the laneway and replace it with a hotel and restaurant.
Image: Cobblestone pub Facebook page
