Part 9 Planning - Dublin Castle Visitor Hub

THE COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC WORKS IN IRELAND

In accordance with the provisions of Part 9 of S.I. No. 600/2001, Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland give notice of their intention to carry out the following development; the development of the State Apartments and Octagonal Tower ground floor, protected structure, to provide improved Visitor Hub facilities including works to the South podium terrace at Dublin Castle, Castle Street, Dublin 2, D02 XN27.

The proposed development will consist of:

(a) External works within State Apartment colonnade, reconstructed 1960s, include removal of stone paving, balustrades, light fittings and benches, and 5no stone plinth blocks. Removal of 2no inner colonnade piers to create new entrance portal with automatic sliding doors and draught lobby. Demolition of concrete infill between colonnade piers with new glazed infill elements clad in stone. Raised levels within colonnade adjacent to Upper Castle Yard. Internal works to State Apartments Building will include removal and replacement of floor, ceiling and wall finishes throughout, removal of concrete walls with new internal supports, proposed steps re-oriented to Chapel Royal Lobby with new handrail, reconfiguration of existing WC provision and internal partitions. Installation of new amenities including lockers, reception/ticketing desk, ticket kiosk machines and furniture.

(b) External works on the south podium terrace include the formation of new doors openings at ground floor from existing window opes within State Apartment façade with proposed thermally broken steel doors providing level access. Removal of low quality steps/ramps with proposed raised levels of stone flagstones on pedestals. New access slope to Octagonal Room. Removal of low quality infill balustrade from castellated wall with new balustrade to sit behind wall upstand.

(c) Internal Octagonal Tower works include general refurbishment and redecoration of floor, wall and ceiling finishes and repair of existing Connemara marble flooring. External Octagonal Tower works include replacement of cementitious render with lime render, replacement of cement cills with stone cills, repair of existing sash windows and doors and new access steps and ramp on bridge approach from Dubh Linn gardens.

(d) Removal of redundant services throughout. New M&E installations internally within the basement with proposed AHU and Heat Pump plant installed on roof with connecting ducting and pipework throughout.

The State Apartments, Octagonal Tower and podium terrace are included on the Record of Protected Structures (Ref. 2051) under the Dublin City Development Plan 2022 – 2028.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening was undertaken for the proposed development. It concluded that there will be no likely significant effects on any Natura 2000 sites, either alone or in combination with, any other plans or projects.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Screening was undertaken for the proposed development. It determined that the proposed development will not give rise to significant environmental change by virtue of its characteristics, location, operational activities, or the nature of the impacts, and as such an EIAR is not necessary. Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

The above mentioned screenings may be inspected online at the following website: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultations/

Drawings and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection by appointment* only and with two working days’ notice, between 10.00am and 12.30pm and between 2.30pm and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday for a period of 6 weeks beginning on the date of the publication of this notice at:

Heritage Services, The Office of Public Works, 1GQ George’s Quay, Dublin 2

*Appointments for viewing should be sent to nicola.burke@opw.ie and owen.osullivan@opw.ie or telephone – (046) 942 2000

Submissions and/or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and development of the area in which the development is situated, may be made in writing within a period of 6 weeks beginning on the date of publication of this notice to:

The Commissioners of Public Works, Office of Public Works, Dublin Conservation 1GQ George’s Quay, Dublin 2

Date of Notice: 21/04/2026