"The continuous demolition of sites like Smyth's might lead to a depletion of intriguing attractions for tourists to explore"
In a move that has caused concern for long-time patrons and locals, An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) has approved the demolition of Smyth's pub on Haddington Road to make way for a new mixed-use development. The development will feature a bar and apartments.
The decision to demolish the pub has been met with objections from local residents and associations, who fear the development will disrupt the area's character and amenities. However, ACP justified the approval by citing the site's accessibility to community services, the design and scale being acceptable in the urban context, and that the development would not seriously harm residential or visual amenities or detract from the area's character or built heritage. Conditions have been set, including shutting the pub’s outdoor seating by 10pm nightly to limit disturbance.
John Murphy, a long-time customer of Smyth's of Haddington Road, has expressed tears about the potential demolition. Murphy, who has visited the pub during rugby weekends, post-work hours, and even for humorous occasions where the crowd was so dense that he had to take turns to breathe, considers Smyth's a local gem and an integral part of the community fabric. His fond memories of the pub date back to the 1980s.
The new development will replace the existing four- to five-storey building at 10 Haddington Rd with a similar-sized building, which will house a new pub at basement and ground floors and six residential units above.
As the demolition plans are sanctioned and pending implementation, the current status is that Smyth’s faces the possibility of demolition, with a new bar and apartments planned to replace the existing building under the conditions set by ACP.
[1] ACP Approves New Development on Haddington Road [2] Development Plans for Smyth's of Haddington Road Unveiled [3] Locals and Regulars Express Concern Over Smyth's Demolition [4] ACP Conditions for Smyth's Development
- The new development on Haddington Road, approved by ACP, includes a bar within its mix of facilities, intended to replace the demolished Smyth's pub.
- The replacement for Smyth's of Haddington Road, scheduled to be demolished, is a new building with residential units and a bar, as part of the approved mixed-use development.
