There's concern Portobello Plaza in the south inner city won't be back open to the public for at least two years.
Councillors were given an update yesterday on the space, that has been closed off since last December to allow a hotel to be built at the back of the plaza.
The area, which was controversially shut for a number of weekends last May after large crowds took over the space, is to be redeveloped when the work is complete in early 2024.
But Independent councillor Mannix Flynn is concerned that will be pushed out because of constraints in the construction industry;
"I would definitely say you will have delays here. I don't know whether they will be years delays but there will be delays."
Last December Dublin city council said the work on the new hotel would last 18 to 24 months but it's now expected to be at least two years before the space is back open to the public.
It's hoped a redesign can begin in tandem with construction on the six-storey hotel.
A public consultation on the plan is expected to begin in June.
