Dublin's Radisson Blu Royal Hotel on Golden Lane plans for a 10-storey extension which would result in an additional 103 bedrooms has hit a snag after An Taisce filed an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against the planned work.
The development would increase the hotel's capacity by 40 per cent to 255 bedrooms and its value is estimated to be in the tens of millions in extra revenue each year, if it ultimately gets approved. Despite the appeal, the Rhatigan Group, owners of the hotel, has seen the Radisson's pre-tax profits increase to €775, 946 while its gross profits grew from €8.67 to €9.18 million by the end of August 2014.
Radisson's original plans were changed to a six-storey extension after Dublin City Council voiced concerns, however the council ruled that although the work was significant it would not be detrimental to the integrity of the area reports The Irish Examiner.
An Taisce, who are dedicated to protecting Ireland's natural and built heritage, appealed Dublin City Council's decision to give the green light, requesting further revision of the planned work. A spokesperson for the group, Kevin Duff, said that even with these revised plans the scale of the development would still be excessive.
