Planning precedent report

Mixed use commercial extension (9,956sq.m gross floor space) to the southern side of The Square Shopping Centre and a new public plaza and all associated site and development works including new signage; Level 1 - no changes; Level 2 - removal of southern mall entrance lobby and construction of new extension to existing Level 2 mall to include 6 retail units (2,611sq.m), a food hall/market hall area for multiple restaurant/food and beverage type uses with associated seating areas (2,041sq.m), a restaurant/cafe unit (67sq.m) and associated ancillary accommodation and circulation (1,534sq.m) and plant rooms (176sq.m) and introduction of new internal service corridor; Level 2 extension is replacing surface parking spaces (140) to the south of the shopping centre and an existing parking area (34 spaces) to the east of the proposed extension is to be reconfigured; creation of Level 3 entrance and creation of new public plaza to replace roof car park (111 spaces) and the new outdoor public plaza (0.74ha) will be used for multi-purpose events, civic and recreational uses and retail and food and beverage concessions involving temporary moveable structures erected on a seasonal basis; the creation of the new Level 3 entrance involves replacement of existing retail unit at Level 3 (Unit 307A) with mall area to include flexible kiosk type retail concession areas; 2 buildings accommodating 9 restaurant/bar units (3,324sq.m) and ancillary accommodation (175sq.m) and associated outdoor seating areas in the new plaza on south facing terraces; Level 4 - ancillary accommodation and service areas (28sq.m) on roof of 2 restaurants buildings within provision for screened plant areas and solar panels; the proposed extension has a maximum building height of 18 metres above existing ground levels; the extension is to replace and supersede the Plot B development previously permitted under Reg. Ref. SD13A/0192 (Bod Ref. PL06S.243280) which included a gross floor space of 5,684sq.m; the permitted northern extension (Plot A) remains unchanged. Permission is sought to amend Condition 3(a) of the Reg. Ref. SD13A/0132 (Bord Ref. PL06S.243280) to facilitate the construction of the proposed southern extension prior to the permitted northern extension (Plot A) subject to a phasing programme to be agreed.

3 signs (1m metre high x 4.5 metres wide aluminium back panels with individual raised illuminated lettering) on the existing tower feature on the western elevation of The Square; 1 sign (1.2m meter high x 6.1 metres wide aluminium back panel with individual raised illuminated lettering) positioned externally on the southern elevation of The Square (south eastern corner).

The proposed development will consist of amalgamation (including removal of internal mezzanine areas) and change of use of Units U133ABC (former An Post) and U133D (former Bodytalk) from Post Office and Retail Use respectively (both Class 1 “shops”) to accommodate a restaurant/ takeaway unit (243sqm) for consumption of hot food on and off the premises, modifications to existing shopfront signage, new tenant sign on eastern elevation and all associated site and development works

Demolition of existing commercial building (736sq.m) and construction of a single storey cafe/restaurant (79sq.m); single storey bicycle workshop building (32sq.m); improved public realm area to include seating; bicycle parking (60 spaces) and hard and soft landscaping and all associated site and development works.

The temporary use (for the next 5 years 2025-2029 inclusive) of part of the eastern carpark lands for the erection of a temporary tent structure for use as an ice rink for a period not exceeding 3 months per year (November - January) and all associated site and development works including plant, lighting, ancillary signage and with pedestrian routes to the shopping centre and associated car parks. The proposal will result in the loss of c.48 spaces for the duration of the temporary ice rink use.

Revisions to previously permitted internal modifications as approved under Ref. SD18A/0399 resulting in the reductions in the kiosk zone at Level 2 only by 196sq.m (from 1073sq.m to 877sq.m) to accommodate a new partially enclosed restaurant/café unit (196sq.m) and associated setting; the new restaurant and seating area will correspond with the footprint of the existing Units 260/262 and 263 and will contain associated facilities including a kitchen, front and rear counters, condiment unit, dining tables, chairs, booths and benches; associated signage and development works.