Council's new rules for Grafton Street shops

Dublin City Council last night adopted a new set of planning regulations to prevent the proliferation of fast-food outlets, estate agent offices and other named businesses on Grafton Street.

Under the new rules, planning permission will be required for newsagents, convenience stores, supermarkets, off-licences and pharmacies. Some businesses, including phone shops and fast-food outlets, are be deemed not "permissible".

Under the previous scheme, shopowners could change the use of all or part of their premises without reference to the council.