Dublin Cinema Extension 'In The Balance'

A major shopping centre extension to include a restaurant and cinema that is planned in Dublin has yet to be given the green light, following fresh objections.

Although detailed plans were approved by Dublin City Council to Sawbridge Ltd in March for the construction of the extension to Swan Shopping Centre in Rathmines, Dublin, a third party appeal was submitted against the decision by Ace Company Ltd to An Bord Pleanala during April.

The case is due to be decided in August ahead of the planned expansion that is proposed to include a new restaurant unit at ground floor level and a twin-screen cinema extension forming part of the previously approved three-screen cinema above the adjoining Swan Shopping Centre.

The plan is to demolish the existing bank building facade and the roof and walls down to first floor level and the existing pharmacy to facilitate the construction of a new facade and roof which will accommodate a change of use from financial services to a restaurant unit at ground floor level.

It will than see the reinstatement of the existing pharmacy unit with extended total area of 85.5 square metres together with two-screen cinema extension at first floor level with over 300 new seats.

According to the website www.unearthore.com the access to the cinema will be from the Lower Rathmines Road with internal access via the existing Swan Shopping Centre Malls, existing lift and stairs.

The lift shall serve from the basement level car parking through to the first floor and existing cinema foyer.

The approved restaurant unit at ground floor level will be accessible from street level on the Rathmines Road Lower. The architect is NJ O'Gorman and Associates.

(BMcC/GK)