Corpo to say yes to new Clarence Hotel

Don’t be surprised if Dublin City Council decides to grant full planning permission for Norman Foster’s controversial plan to re-make the Clarence Hotel – by demolishing all but its quayfront facade and those of its immediate neighbours, Dollard House and four late Georgian buildings by the Wide Streets Commissioners. It has long been known that chief planning officer Dick Gleeson is very enthusiastic about the scheme, because he sees it as crucial in turning Temple Bar around to face the River Liffey as well as injecting some life into otherwise dull East Essex Street by opening up new cafés and shops on the south-facing side of the street.

The Irish Times