Hundreds of objections have been made to Dublin City Council over plans for the Cobblestone Pub.
A hotel is proposed for around the Smithfield bar, that's renowned for its traditional Irish music sessions. In recent weeks hundreds of people have joined protests against plans for the pub.
This morning Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the planning permission should be refused;
"What's being proposed there, which is the hotel there for North King Street, essentially enveloping the Cobblestone, I think Dublin City Council should refuse that."
He says he thinks its contrary to the city's development plan; "which recognises the cultural nature of that part of town, of Smithfield."
But Leo Varadkar doesn't believe Dublin is losing it's cultural soul, saying cities evolve and there are lots of good things happening in the capital.
A nine-storey hotel is proposed for the site, that would be built around the bar, which is a protected structure.
More than 400 observations have been lodged with Dublin City Council, with the consultation period ending yesterday.
Over 420 objections to the hotel plans submitted so far to Dublin City Council!
This must be some sort of record!!!#SaveTheCobblestone#CultureNotVultures
— Dublin's Not Dead Yet (@DublinIsDying) November 4, 2021
While more than 34,000 people have signed on online petition to save the pub. Singers Imelda May and Glen Hansard are among those who've come out against the plans, saying the city without the cobblestone is a lesser place.
Imelda May says its not the loss of a pub that people are worried about, its the loss of a whole community;
"They're fighting for a hub of Irish music and traditional sessions, which people are taught there, generations will continue after."
