Objections to a new music licence for a former church in Dublin's "old city" area were withdrawn yesterday after gardaí brokered an agreement between residents and Temple Bar Properties (TBP).
Residents of Smock Alley Court objected to a music and singing licence for the former St Michael and John Church Building which was previously used as the Viking Adventure Centre and is currently occupied an environmental group, Sustainable Ireland. The building previously enjoyed a theatre licence when used by the Viking adventure company, but that has lapsed.
Dublin District Court heard yesterday that TBP has invited tenders from interested parties on future viable uses and expects to choose one shortly. In the meantime, it is seeking a music and singing licence to allow other functions to be held there, such as one recently organised by Sustainable Ireland.
Residents told the court yesterday, however, that they had already suffered noise nuisance from occasional events held in the building, including loud music and noise from patrons leaving late at night.
Dublin city councillor John Gallagher, who gave evidence in support of the residents, said they were mainly elderly people who had been housed in the area by the local authority. They were fearful that the area would become "a dive" like the eastern side of Temple Bar with its super-pubs and drink dominated culture.
Judge Timothy Lucey said he was surprised that he was being asked to adjudicate on a matter which could easily be controlled by the city council as the beneficial owner of TBP and the building in question.
When the hearing resumed after a brief adjournment, the court heard the objection was withdrawn on condition that events finish at 11 p.m., a contact person be appointed between the residents and TBP, noise levels be kept at WHO recommended limits, and 14 days notice be given of all events.