Dublin City Council has granted planning permission to convert a permitted seven-storey office development in Dublin’s docklands into a 496-bed space tourist hostel.
The planning authority has given the green light to Patrick Crean’s Marlet Group for the scheme at Martin’s Terrace, Dublin 2 and adjoining lands at the corner of Macken Street and the newly realigned Hanover Street East, despite local concerns that the scheme would result in an over-concentration of tourist accommodation in the area.
The decision now paves the way for one of Europe’s largest tourist hostel operators, the Berlin-headquartered a&o, to establish its first tourist hostel in the Irish market.
A planning report lodged on behalf of applicants and Marlet subsidiary, Prime GP4 Ltd by planning consultant, Kevin Hughes of Hughes Planning and Development Consultants confirmed that the a&o chain is to operate the tourist hostel.
Last year a&o accommodated 6.1m tourist bed nights in the most successful year yet for the business.
Mr Hughes contended that from a practical perspective, the tourist hostel will contribute much more to the vitality of the area throughout the day compared to an office building whilst also ensuring increased activity within the immediate area at night.
He said that the proposed hostel will assist in alleviating pressure on the hospitality sector following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Mr Hughes states that while there are 24 tourist accommodation and seven student accommodation facilities within 1km of the subject site, the proposed tourist hostel will not result in an over-concentration or proliferation of tourist accommodation in the immediate area.
a&o was founded in Berlin in 2000 and operates 41 properties, including three pipeline properties in European city centres. The 41 properties comprise 8,200 rooms and 28,000 beds.
The firm has hostels in gateway cities such as Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam and Edinburgh.
The Council has granted permission despite Dublin Bay South TD, Chris Andrews TD stating that “the last thing the inner city community needs is another hostel or hotel”.
In a joint objection with Cllr Kourtney Kenny (SF), Deputy Andrews argued that the proposed tourist hostel will result in an over-concentration or proliferation of tourist accommodation in the immediate area.
On behalf of Pearse Square Residents Association, Helen Murray echoed the concerns over tourist accommodation, stating that “the addition of a large hostel further exacerbates this issue, potentially leading to imbalances in the local community and services”.
Ms Murray said that “the presence of a large tourist hostel with ancillary bar/café/restaurant is likely to generate increased noise and disturbance, especially during late hours. This is particularly concerning given the mixed nature of the area, which includes residential properties”.
In another objection, William Crowley and Shonagh Hurley said: “The introduction of a tourist hostel can alter the social dynamics of our community. The constant turnover of guests may lead to a sense of instability and reduce the sense of community cohesion that we currently enjoy.”
