Green light for hotel on ‘potential Viking site’

A nine-storey hotel in Dublin has got the go-ahead despite concerns its location could be an important Viking site. The city council granted permission for the building, which is planned for Aungier Street in the south inner city. However, a report on the planning application stated the site “is one of major archaeological potential”. “The area is one of known archeological potential for Viking Age and Medieval deposits relating to the early settlement at Dubh Linn,” wrote consultant archaeologist Mary McMahon. She recommended no construction work be undertaken until an archeological assessment is carried out. The council gave permission to Fanagan Funeral Directors and Mr Robert Lyne to demolish warehouses on the site and build the 232-bed hotel. The existing buildings are used for parking cars, limousines and hearses associated with the funeral home. As part of the granting of permission, the council imposed several conditions in compliance with Ms McMahon’s recommendations. A written report containing the results of ground assessments will now have to be forwarded to the city archaeologist.

Evening Herald