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Ban on arcades and adult shops around Dublin's O'Connell St extended

Such premises were already banned at ground level from O'Connell Street and the other main streets in the zone
Such premises were already banned at ground level from O'Connell Street and the other main streets in the zone

The renewed planning scheme for O'Connell Street will introduce a ban on amusement arcades and adult entertainment stores on the site of the Dublin Central development.

Such premises were already banned at ground level from O'Connell Street and the other main streets in the zone - Henry Street, North Earl Street and Middle Abbey Street.

However, now they will be banned from anywhere in the environs of the scheme, including the area as far Moore Lane, to encompass the new retail and office development planned as part of Dublin Central on the old Carlton site and over as far as Marlborough Street.

Other uses not permitted on the main streets under the Special Scheme for Planning Control (SSPC) include applications from bookmakers, discount stores and off licences.

Fast food outlets can now be considered on North Earl Street, Middle Abbey Street and D'Olier Street, as long as they have indoor seating.

Councillors agreed that the scheme should go for public consultation.

Meanwhile, a report on the development of former Ballymun Shopping Centre site was noted by councillors.

There are plans for two blocks, with 300 residential units and 31,000 square metres of commercial and mixed use, that could be later integrated with a Metrolink Station due in 2034.

In the short-term to medium-term, the council wants to encourage temporary uses on the site, including "pop-up food and/or craft markets alongside funfairs, ice-rinks etc".

It is to look for expressions of interests with a view to running a pilot project this summer.