AN iconic Dublin pub is set to be demolished and replaced with apartments and a new boozer, much to the dismay of locals.
Smyth’s, a traditional Irish Pub located on Haddington Road in Dublin 4 is just a “stone’s throw” from the Aviva Stadium.
The sports bar serves a range of food and drink and has become a popular match day spot that regularly hosts live music performances.
The spot was owned by the Smyth family for 50 years before it was sold in 1999.
A planning permission application was recently submitted to the Dublin County Council by Courtney’s Lounge Bars, owned by Hugh and Paula Courtney.
The submission details plans for six new apartments and a new pub that the owners wish to call Smyth’s.
The new development will be a four storey and part five storey “mixed use building”.
The applicant outlines plans for the “demolition of all existing buildings and structures on the site”.
The planning submission reads: “The four storey block fronting onto Haddington Road consists of 1 no. two bedroom apartment and 2 no. two bedroom duplex apartments including balconies on the southern elevation at third floor level
“The part five storey block fronting onto Percy Place consists of 1 no. one bedroom apartment. 1 no. two bedroom duplex apartment and 1 no. three bedroom duplex apartment including balconies and terraces on the north eastern elevation at first, second and third floor levels and the north and north eastern elevation at fourth floor level.”
The planning application details the plans for the new pub including a covered outdoor seating area to the front of the premises.
To the other side of the proposed building there are plans for PV solar panels, bin storage and and cycle parking.
According to a design statement also submitted with the application planning permission for redevelopment of the site was granted in 2006, however was never implemented.
Planning permission was rejected in 2005 by An Bord Pleanala for a redevelopment including flats.
The current planning permission was submitted on July 8 and the final date for review is August 12.
However may punters have been left unimpressed by the proposed plans.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) one person said: “This planning application to casually demolish the famous Smyth’s of Haddington Road doesn’t include any assessment of its cultural or architectural significance.
“Or of its contextual charm, in a homogenising world.”
Another said: “Appalling. Smyth’s is a fantastic pub.
“I’d level an entire Georgian Street before I’d even contemplate doing anything to Smyth’s.”
