Entrepreneur Paddy McKillen Jnr, part-owner of one of the fastest-growing hospitality groups in Ireland, Press Up, has faced local opposition to the construction of a new 41-bedroom boutique hotel in Ranelagh village in Dublin 6.
Last month, it was report that McKillen Jnr's plans to build the new five-floor hotel would go ahead after receiving the green light for planning permission, however, the new venture has now been thrown into doubt after seven separate appeals lodged with An Bord Pleanála against Dublin City Council's decision, reports the Irish Independent.
Along with 41 rooms, McKillen Jnr, who has seen major success with its last venture the Dean Hotel (pictured), plans to build a restaurant on the rooftop terrace, plus 50-seater cinema room and conference facilities. If built, it's expect the new Ranelagh hotel will largely follow the Dean's layout and design.
Objections to the hotel plans include claims that it will add to village's traffic congestion.
According to the Irish Independent, the general manager of the Dean Hotel, Bryan Davern, has written to one of the objectors, Peter McLaughlin, stating "that this particular hotel model would be a real asset to Ranelagh village".
"We would want the property to represent what is best in the Ranelagh village area and do everything we can to play our part to be a community hub in the urban village," added Davern.
One local resident stated in his submission that the Southside suburb already has five pubs, 18 restaurants and six takeaways.
"We don't need more bars, restaurants or hotels. We need a car park," he said.
