Council bid to scupper Trinity’s new wing
Trinity College’s plan for a new student building has suffered a setback after city councillors rejected it. It comes despite the proposal winning approval from heritage body An Taisce. Councillors on south east area committee have recommended that planners throw out the scheme
The Trinity board had requested the go-ahead for the redevelopment of Luce Hall to provide 4,400sqm of student facilities. If granted approval it will comprise a four-storey over- basement building fronting on to Pearse Street with a setback terrace on the third floor containing society rooms, a library and student bar.
An Taisce welcomed the plan, saying the proposal is an important one “on account of the prominence of the site within Trinity College and the city generally”. It pointed to the Dublin City Development plan, which seeks to encourage “a dynamic, mixed use, visually attractive, world-class city able to compete with other cities on a global basis”.
Dublin City Council is due to deliver its decision this week. Just last August the university was denied planning permission to convert buildings in Temple Bar into a pub and new college units. The council refused to give the college approval after it decided the development would be damaging to the area.
