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Wetherspoon's gets green light for €4 million 'super pub' on Camden Street

Wetherspoon operates five pubs here – four in Dublin and one in Cork.

AN BORD PLEANÁLA has given the green light for a ‘super-pub’ in the Camden Street area of Dublin to pub giant, JD Wetherspoon plc.

The appeals board has granted planning permission for the €4m development at Camden Hall that also includes a 98 bedroom hotel in spite of local concerns that the pub would be part of a continuing trend “to completely alcoholise Camden Street”.

The board ruling represents a comprehensive planning victory for JD Wetherspoon as the ruling omits a planning condition imposed by Dublin City Council seeking to curtail the size of the pub.

The City Council ruled that a 244 sq metre ‘dining area’ and courtyard with tables and chairs be omitted from the plan. However, this has been overturned on appeal.

Already, Wetherspoon operates five pubs here – four in Dublin and one in Cork.

A spokesman for the UK based Wetherspoon described the ruling as ‘great news’ stating that the project will lead to the creation of 200 jobs.

He said that the firm hopes to commence work on the project “sooner rather than later”.

Wetherspoon lodged a map showing that there are already 12 bars on Camden Street/Wexford Street and 36 cafes and restaurants in the wider area

Detrimental to the character of the area’

Local man and appellant, Barry Chambers told An Bord Pleanála that allowing another pub in the area, “not to mention the large scale drinking established being proposed would be seriously detrimental to the residential amenity and character of the area”.

Chambers was one of a number of local residents to oppose the plan.

In his appeal, Chambers argued that “drink fuelled ever increasing noise, nuisance and anti-social behaviour, ranging from the benign to the very serious which goes hand in hand with the drinking culture has already, regrettably, started to change the character of the area for the worse”.

The introduction of a super pub selling cheap alcohol into the melting pot does not bear thinking.

Chambers pointed out that the area is densely populated with young families and “it is sincerely hoped that we do not go further down the Temple Bar route – an area that has been blighted by the over concentration of pubs and late night drinking”.

In a rebuttal to Chambers’ appeal, Wetherspoons said that to imply that the proposal includes a super-pub “is disingenuous, misleading and clearly not the case”.

Wetherspoon stated that the proposal “is not intended as a late- night destination with the latest expected opening hours to be at 12.30am at the weekends. The venue will be focused on the service of food with a complementary drinks service and will play no amplified music”.

The pub firm stated that there is not an over-concentration of pubs in the area.

The board inspector in the case stated that the 1,184sq.m of floorspace for the
restaurant/bar/courtyard gardens with tables and chairs is a considerable quantum of development in this area.

The board gave the plan the go-ahead after ruling that it would not adversely affect the character or architectural significance of the historic buildings on site, would not seriously injure the amenities of properties in the vicinity and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.

Read: Wetherspoon’s has confirmed plans to open a pub in Waterford City>

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    Mute Anthony Clark
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:14 PM

    Weatherspoons in Blanchardstown are very very nice.

    Food, Coffee and cakes- really reasonable if you are not into beer.
    Other business in Camden st. are probably just nervous for some decent competition at last.

    Don’t know why Journal is so negative everytime they mention Weatherspoons.
    Plus its 200 jobs!

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    Mute The Big Bad Wolf
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:18 PM

    @Anthony Clark: food is terrible in the Blanchardstown one

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    Mute Tony Stanley
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:25 PM

    @Anthony Clark: frozen food chucked in a microwave! Not exactly competition to the restaurants in the area!

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    Mute Derek o keeffe
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:54 PM

    @The Big Bad Wolf: Have to agree it is awful.

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    Mute cholly appleseed
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    Apr 21st 2017, 7:22 PM

    @Anthony Clark: price competition it will create will be beneficial. More pubs will reduce prices to compete

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    Mute kevin
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    Apr 21st 2017, 9:26 PM

    @Anthony Clark: overpriced muck.

    The same cheap muck is available in Britain fir half the price.

    Ok it’s not total muck but bog standard quality.

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    Mute Rand Al Thor
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    Apr 22nd 2017, 9:05 AM

    @Anthony Clark: Negativity its simple Weatherspoons are British.

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    Mute Sport Billy
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    Apr 21st 2017, 4:57 PM

    Any pub close to Zaytoon is good :)

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    Mute Ironballs
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    Apr 21st 2017, 9:03 PM

    @Sport Billy: and a jacks near Zaytoon is essential

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    Mute neuromancer
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:03 PM

    Pedestrianize Camden Street?

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    Mute Fred Jensen
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:45 PM

    @neuromancer:

    And South William Street.

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    Mute Jack Cassady
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    Apr 21st 2017, 4:52 PM

    Great.
    Just what Ireland needs right now.
    A Superpub for super duper drinking.

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    Mute Aaron Gibson
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:14 PM

    @Jack Cassady: yaaaaaaay

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    Mute Plus Prom
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:23 PM

    @Jack Cassady: or price competition. Could do with some of that.

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    Mute Stephen Maher
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:30 PM

    I dont drink alchohol but have had food in witherspoons and its allways good value.
    The building they purchased is really lovely and im sure will improve that section of the street which has been largely derelict for as long as i can remember.

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    Mute brian magee
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    Apr 21st 2017, 7:42 PM

    @Stephen Maher: define value and then compare it to quality

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    Mute Stephen Maher
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    Apr 22nd 2017, 1:07 AM

    @brian magee:
    Very true, It’s cheap edible food, bit like McDonald’s.
    You get exactly what you pay for.
    You could Head on into Georges street if your feeling flush.
    I recommend Brasserie sixty six.

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    Mute Henry Barth
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    Apr 22nd 2017, 4:56 AM

    @brian magee: You might consider trying the food. Few other restaurants give you the menu provenance: https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/food/food-provenance

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    Mute Rob Mills
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    Apr 21st 2017, 4:52 PM

    As if Camden st could do with more chaos at 3 in the morning.

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    Mute John S
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:03 PM

    @Rob Mills: did you read the article? Latest opening time is 12.30…..

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    Mute Rob Mills
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:06 PM

    @John S: must confess that I didn’t.

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    Mute JJ Nolan
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    Apr 22nd 2017, 12:21 AM

    @Rob Mills: that will happen either way as most
    go to coppers or the rest in harcourt st

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    Mute Niall Lonergan
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    Apr 21st 2017, 4:56 PM

    Been to a few Wetherspoons in the UK. They vary somewhat in regards to their clientele but some of them are outrageously rough. But the Camden Street one sounds like it’s going to be on the more pleasant scale compared to the others. One is planned for Waterford City centre as well in the future. There’ll be some heads in that one. Two of Waterford’s roughest has closed recently so they’ll be down there for sure.

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    Mute Dave O'Hanlon
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:05 PM

    If Wetherspoon’s don’t open there than two or three extra hipster bars will.

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    Mute Dub_Right
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:11 PM

    @Dave O’Hanlon: Oh no, Independent Irish owned bars serving up what the local clientele want, shocking!

    Much better to turn Camden street into another generic “High street”… just need a few more Starbucks, KFC and Tesco’s to complete the picture.

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    Mute Dave O'Hanlon
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    Apr 21st 2017, 10:33 PM

    @Dave O’Hanlon: my point is that residents are complaining its one bar too many, yet theres more bars there then when I rented near the area 8 years ago so its a little late objecting to new bars now. Though I think its great you enjoy paying 6 euro plus for a pint, damn my principles

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    Mute Paul Foot
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:02 PM

    Great Group – who do it their way, successfully. About 1,000 outlets in 30 years! No music, pool, sitting at the bar, dart boards, jukeboxes TV etc. Don’t like it – don’t go in!

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    Mute Derek o keeffe
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:56 PM

    @Paul Foot: They are full of Tv’s.

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    Mute Paul Foot
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    Apr 21st 2017, 10:11 PM

    @Derek o keeffe: no sound m8

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    Mute David Cushen
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    Apr 30th 2017, 11:03 AM

    @Derek o keeffe: Not in uk!

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    Mute rowan hill
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    Apr 21st 2017, 4:57 PM

    Superpub more a boring pub

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    Mute Sheila Larkin
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    Apr 21st 2017, 8:00 PM

    The row of houses to be converted into this hotel and bar are in a shocking state.
    As a local, this development will be welcome improvement to the area.
    I look forward to seeing the archway and circular window in one of the buildings being restored to its former glory.
    The street is full of pubs already, this will not make a difference regarding late night noisy gobsheens.

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    Mute Michael cunnane
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    Apr 21st 2017, 4:54 PM

    A superpub in Dublin selling cheap alcohol?? don’t make me laugh.not much change out of a 50 for 5 pints a Guinness I’d say

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    Mute bopter
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    Apr 21st 2017, 4:58 PM

    @Michael cunnane: they don’t sell Guinness. It’s €2.50 a pint for their alternatives, Beamish and others.

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:05 PM

    @Michael cunnane: you must be talking about that well known rip off joint, Temple Bar?

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    Mute Nellie Oneill
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    Apr 22nd 2017, 12:00 AM

    @Michael cunnane: you want get a Guinness in a spoons. Theys increase the price of the offerings lately. FOOD not worth any more that what you pay for it. Cheap food sold cheaply.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:55 PM

    Camden street is a gem in terms of Irish and European nightlife.

    Soulless chain-pubs should be banned under planning law.

    Turning Dublin into a generic British high street.

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Apr 21st 2017, 8:55 PM

    @Diarmuid: Yeap, Flannery’s and Zaytoon and not to mention the Palace…..gems the lot of them. Although I have to admit to having a kebab from Zaytoon from time to time while pissed.

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    Mute Soccer T's
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:02 PM

    How about smoking clubs instead? We have enough “super” pubs which are responsible for the havoc on our streets at 3am

    http://kushtourism.com/lounges/cannabis-social-clubs-of-spain/

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    Mute Brian O'Loughlin
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:46 PM

    @Soccer T’s: Is it the pubs fault or the peoples fault for causing havoc on the streets at 3am?

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    Mute Soccer T's
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:01 PM

    @Brian O’Loughlin: I’ve never seen pubs fighting or falling around so probably the people

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    Mute Eoin lane
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:46 PM

    @Soccer T’s: I give you comment of the week for that one

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    Mute tk0CXKzL
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:01 PM

    cool…another place for the dreggs to cause trouble in the pubs that attract a certain type of people

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    Mute John O'Driscoll
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    Apr 21st 2017, 9:28 PM

    Only one pub I go to anymore now, and that only three four times a year. It’s in my hometown in co Cavan and is not just a pub but an hardware and undertakers too. In an ancient building about 18th century and looks every minute of it. Last time decorated was 1943 when the present owners’ dad gave a lick of paint and an upright bar decorated with dozens of broomsticks sawn precisely in half and glued to create a ridged surface painted black. Turf fire in back. Cubbyholes with hooks and screws and things for getting horses out of the stones in their shoes all prices still in L.s.d. Great pints great live trad sessions no to no radio. Oul black springer cross who only died last week used love a biccie dipped in Arthur. Coffins up the back. Cradle to grave they look after us.
    Moral pub.

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    Mute John O'Driscoll
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    Apr 21st 2017, 9:32 PM

    Edit no tv no radio. Worth saying twice. Correctly the second time. Nothing but conversation and the odd scrape as a fiddle now is rosined. Clock on the bar sometimes says eleven pm when your watch says quarter to four am. Also a Tardis. Hidden benefit with added ashtrays when the doors lock and each slow dusk a drawing down of blinds. No way now will I tell yiz the name.

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    Mute Rory J Leonard
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    Apr 22nd 2017, 6:57 AM

    @John O’Driscoll:

    A treasure hunt in Co Cavan of biblical proportions is about to commence John, for that thirst quenching emporium of Irish cultural authenticity, you have so eloquently described!

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    Mute John O'Driscoll
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    Apr 23rd 2017, 10:20 PM

    I didn’t even mention the half of it Rory but thank you for the good word I’ll pass it along to the owner Mr McBri…whoops. Nearly let it slip…

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    Mute Toon Army
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:54 PM

    Food in Weatherspoons is awful. By their own admission most is just shipped in and microwaved

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    Mute Paul Foot
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:48 PM

    @Toon Army: Rubbish…food is good and value for money. Admission – where!¿!

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    Mute Derek o keeffe
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:57 PM

    @Paul Foot: The food is awful in all of them.

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    Mute shaz
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    Apr 21st 2017, 9:36 PM

    @Paul Foot: @toon army said by their own admission!!!!! Not that they charged admission

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    Mute Kate Flaherty
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    Apr 21st 2017, 4:53 PM

    Another bloody pub!, it’s a café we need!….

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    Mute Pat Mustard
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:08 PM

    @Kate Flaherty: try Cafe en Seine!

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    Mute Void bringer
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:38 PM

    @Kate Flaherty: … yes I agree Kate, we need more cafes, weed cafes!

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    Mute Kate Flaherty
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:41 PM

    @Void bringer: that’s exactly the type of café I was referring to!!

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    Mute Void bringer
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:21 PM

    @Kate Flaherty: Wouldn`t it be great though Kate, coffee and spliff in a civilized environment. I`d love that, hopefully someday :)

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    Mute Kate Flaherty
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:24 PM

    @Void bringer: On a sunny day, like minded people, good conversation a dog, or 2, a choice of smoke to suit the mood, we can always dream…..

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    Mute Kate Flaherty
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:29 PM

    @Kate Flaherty: over 25′s only, no drink!

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    Mute Dan Henry
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:43 PM

    Bulletproof windows and plastic bottles

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    Mute kevin
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    Apr 21st 2017, 6:29 PM

    Unless people drink more there won’t be an extra 200 jobs as jobs will be list elsewhere.

    Perhaps there will be a overall net increase but it won’t be 200.

    There will need to be another new 200 beds available to house the foreigners who will relocate to work there.

    The locals are to used to the dole.

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    Mute Goldberg
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    Apr 21st 2017, 9:43 PM

    It’s food is no worse than most dublin pubs but cheaper – the fish and chips are great plus you can get mushy peas with it

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    Mute Peter McGlynn
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:29 PM

    What about the one proposed for lower abbey street?

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    Mute The Big Bad Wolf
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:16 PM

    Keep these shite pubs away from Dublin city… Christ

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    Mute bmul
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    Apr 21st 2017, 5:24 PM

    @The Big Bad Wolf: agree crap pubs but may help drive down prices

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Apr 21st 2017, 8:56 PM

    @The Big Bad Wolf: Yeap, let’s keep the rip off ones.

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    Mute Patrick Doyle
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    Apr 21st 2017, 8:52 PM

    Great news. The beers are good here. That’s it. A good staging point to have a few cheap pints before going somewhere with a bit of atmosphere.

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    Mute JustMade Ireland
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    Apr 21st 2017, 9:46 PM

    It always someone else’s it not the pubs who cause the problems it the people the Garda should set up mobile jail cells and any one causeing nussians locked up till early morning and then made to clean up the streets.

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    Mute declan leonard
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    Apr 21st 2017, 9:28 PM

    Wetherspoons food is microwaved at best but my experience of them is a few beers before going elsewhere. Wetherspoons is constantly like last orders.

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    Mute shaz
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    Apr 21st 2017, 9:34 PM

    Your not allowed laugh in the blanchardstown one! Friends of mine asked to leave there a few weeks ago because of laughing! If it was drunken loudness I’d agree but this was the start of the night! They were the Only customers there!!!!!

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    Mute Scundered
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    Apr 22nd 2017, 7:00 AM

    @shaz: does she laugh like a horse or what?

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    Mute irishbinka
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    Apr 21st 2017, 11:32 PM

    You simply vote with your feet. Don’t ever go. If we don’t want them in our city you simply don’t go..

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    Mute Jackson Bollovks
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    Apr 21st 2017, 7:46 PM

    Bye bye Bleeding Horse

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    Mute Graham Carrick
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    Apr 21st 2017, 10:05 PM

    @Jackson Bollovks: the Bleeding Horse will probably do better from 200 people a night staying in a new hotel across the road. I live local and am happy about this.

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    Mute JJ Nolan
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    Apr 22nd 2017, 12:13 AM

    brill maybe the rest drop prices …

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    Mute Buster VL
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    Apr 22nd 2017, 8:49 AM

    It’s about time Guinness had some competition.

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    Mute Jill
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    Apr 28th 2017, 9:27 AM

    That place will be full of DIT Aungier, DIT Kevin & DBS students.

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    Mute UinsionnMac
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    Apr 23rd 2017, 10:18 AM

    That building needed a makeover

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