A major redevelopment of an old cinema purchased by artist Yvonne McGuinness and her husband, Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy, has been granted planning permission by Kerry County Council.
The plans for the Phoenix cinema in Daingean Uí Chúis in Kerry proposes the retention of a cinema, but also the creation of facilities, exhibition areas and residential spaces for artists.
The iconic Phoenix cinema, situated in the heart of the seaside town had been serving the west Kerry since the early 20th century before it closed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2022 the O'Sullivan family announced their plans to sell the much-loved film venue.
Fearing the site may be earmarked alternative as a commercial and residential development, a campaign was initiated locally to save the Phoenix.
In November 2024 it was announced that Ms McGuinness and Mr Murphy had purchased the cinema.
The proposed development will retain the building's function as a cinema. The plans drawn up by Dublin-based consultants Brock McClure also include the creation of a multi-disciplinary performance space, exhibition and rehearsal spaces, a bar, cafe and restaurant, as well as residential studios for artist and a redesigned courtyard.
The planning application by Dingle Phoenix cinema followed intensive consultation with the local community through a series of public meeting and presentations in the old cinema.
The proposed project has already secured €933,000 in grant-funding through the Government Rural Regeneration Fund (RRF).
A significant number of letters in support of the project were submitted to the planning authority by individuals, many from the wider west Kerry arts community.
However, a number of submissions highlighted the concerns of residents whose properties are adjoining the site. Concerns were also raised in relation to the pressure the new development will put on parking on the nearby streets.
The planning permission granted today by Kerry County Council has 13 conditions attached.
The granting of permission by Kerry County Council can still be appealed to an Coimisiún Pleanála.
Mr Murphy and Ms McGuinness are familiar faces in the west Kerry Gaeltacht. The Oscar-winning actor’s parents have been coming to the area for many decades and have forged strong connections in the local community.
Mr Murphy and Ms McGuinness continue to spend extended periods in the area with their family.
Speaking after the purchase of the cinema, the Academy Award winner referred to his fondness for the Phoenix cinema: "I’ve been going to see films at The Phoenix since I was a young boy on summer holidays.
"My dad saw movies there when he was a young man before me, and we’ve watched many films at the Phoenix with our own kids. We recognise what the cinema means to Dingle," he added.
Having acquired the cinema, Ms McGuinness indicated a desire to expand the functions of the venue to embrace wider artistic activity.
"We want to open the doors again, expand the creative potential of the site, re-establishing its place in the cultural fabric of this unique town," she said.
The Phoenix cinema was first opened in 1919 but was destroyed by fire on two occasions in 1921 and 1938. The Houlihan family managed to rebuild the cinema and it’s resurrection from the ashes inspired it’s renaming.
During the following decades the Phoenix became the social hub of the town, hosting drama, concerts and dances, as well as screening films.
Under the ownership of the Moore family, the Phoenix became a popular venue for the showbands of the 1950s and 1960s.
In later years Rory Gallagher and Dana were among the well-known names to perform at the Dingle venue.
