Howth hotel plans face uncertainty after road rejection

Plans for a new hotel in Howth, north Dublin, face uncertainty after a key access road was rejected by An Bord Pleanála. While the board approved the four-storey, 142-bedroom hotel development, the decision excluded the controversial new road that was intended to serve the hotel. Fingal County Council had granted permission for the hotel in July 2023, allowing the demolition of existing structures. However, the approval also reduced the planned car-park to just 101 spaces. The planning consultants representing Tetrarch Capital expressed concerns that these changes would harm the hotel's potential viability. A Green Party councillor, David Healy, had previously appealed the planning permission. The appeals board ultimately concluded that the hotel plan would be a suitable development, fitting well with the local character without harming nearby residential areas. Inspector Lorraine Dockery emphasized that the proposed access road could negatively affect the heritage value and landscape of Howth Castle Demesne. She highlighted fears that the road would fragment the area's open space and disrupt the historical setting. The board's ruling also rejected an access road related to a separate project aimed at transforming Howth Castle into a shopping and tourism destination, citing similar concerns about the historical landscape.