Dublin City Council officials are proposing to go ahead with a plan for a homeless hostel in the capital's Georgian district, despite local objections.
The council received 63 submissions overwhelmingly opposed to the creation of a 30-bed hostel on the site of the former Longfields Hotel on Fitzwilliam Street.
The site consists of two protected Georgian buildings dating from the early 19th century.
The submissions raised a number of objections including the risk of anti-social behaviour and the impact on an area zoned Z8 to protect the existing architectural and civic design.
In a report to councillors the local authority's chief executive Owen Keegan said that a hostel was permitted under Z8 zoning.
He also said the facility will be run by the Simon Community who have procedures in place to minimise disruption.
There will be ten full-time staff to provide 24-hour cover and all those who access the service will have to sign an agreement to abide by rules.
The report contains a map showing there are no other homeless facilities within 500 metres, indicating the facility will not lead to an over concentration of services in the area, he pointed out.
The hostel will replace the Simon Community's existing facility on Harcourt Street, which is considered no longer fit for purpose.
The city council purchased the Longfields site, which is situated across the road from the ESB headquarters, for €7m in 2007.
A further €300,000 was spent on maintenance and another €700,000 will be spent on refurbishment including roof repair, fire proofing and upgrading of mechanical and electrical systems.
The change of use to hostel and the refurbishment works will now have to be agreed by councillors at their monthly meeting next week.
