O’Connell Street crackdown targets a dozen Dublin traders

Circle K among businesses facing Dublin council action

Since the start of September, Dublin City Council has opened 13 cases involving properties on O'Connell Street, with alleged breaches ranging from unauthorised advertising to flags and canopies installed without consent.

The Irish Times reports that Circle K, Peter Mark, Allcare Pharmacy and Paddywagon Tours are among the businesses affected.

The latest action follows a review of individual premises commissioned by the Dublin City Development Company, an organisation established to put forward plans for improving the city centre. 

Robert Watt, the civil servant appointed to lead the company earlier this year, initiated the inspection process.

Neon signs and digital boards among alleged planning breaches

The review is linked to wider efforts to address problems on O'Connell Street, including derelict properties and concerns about security. 

The development company was formed to implement recommendations from the Dublin City Taskforce, a Government-established group tasked with tackling those issues.

Under the special planning rules that apply to the street, businesses must obtain permission for certain exterior changes. 

The council's cases cover alleged breaches involving shopfronts, neon signs, digital advertising boards, canopies and flags.Restaurants and casinos named in O’Connell Street crackdown

Sushi bar and buffet restaurant caught up in Dublin planning row

Ned Kelly's Casino is among the premises under scrutiny, with the council raising concerns about its illuminated signage, digital displays, outdoor screens and canopy.

Another case involving Imperial Entertainment centres on what the council's filing calls an “intensification of signage to front facade”.

The proceedings also extend to 55-56 O'Connell Street Upper, where Carlton Entertainment Group operates.

That case concerns canopies and flags which the council says were erected without the required permission.

Food businesses have also been named in the enforcement action. Fortune Terrace, an Asian-style buffet restaurant, and sushi bar Encha are both facing cases over signage displayed in their windows.