Bord Pleanala puts an end to U2 fight to save studio

U2 have lost the battle to save their studio in Dublin's docklands, after An Bord Pleanála approved plans for development of the site as a civic amenity.The group will continue to use the docks as a recording base, however.

In a brief statement yesterday, their management company said arrangements had been made with the Dublin Docklands Development Authority for the band to move to another building in the area.

The DDDA placed a compulsory purchase order on the site at Hanover Quay last August to make way for a walkway and public amenity area.

At a planning hearing in January, U2 objected to the plan on the grounds that although the building did not qualify as a protected structure, it was part of the recognised music heritage of the locality.

In a submission to An Bord Pleanála, the group said retention of the recording studio of an "internationally-acclaimed Irish rock band . . . would complement any objective of the Authority to convert the area to an amenity space with leisure and entertainment uses".

But in its ruling, the board found in favour of the compulsory purchase orders, saying they were necessary for the renewal and regeneration of the Grand Canal Dock area.

Shortly after the public hearing, U2 hinted they might be willing to move if a suitable alternative site was found. But neither the band nor the DDDA would give any details of the arrangement entered into yesterday.

U2 has occupied the Hannover Quay studios since 1994, recording four albums there, including the most recent All That You Can't Leave Behind. The band's association with the docklands area goes back to its earlier recordings at Windmill Lane studios.

Other objectors to the DDDA scheme included the businessman Mr Harry Crosbie. Mr Crosbie will lose two adjoining warehouse buildings but his home, which is also in the area, is not affected.