DUBLIN (AFP) - Irelands top rock band U2 are hoping to make their mark on Dublins skyline, but two property developments on the river Liffey waterfront are fueling controversy in their hometown.
The group are part of a consortium proposing the so-called U2 Tower in the south docklands, a 200 million euro (291 million dollar) 120 metre high landmark that would be the biggest building in the country.
A studio for the super-group is included as a suspended egg-shaped pod at the top of the tower that has been designed by renowned British architect Lord Foster, known for the "Gherkin" tower in London among other projects.
August Partners, a firm involving U2 members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen and their manager Paul McGuinness, got involved in the tower plan after they were thrown out of their docklands studios five years ago.
Planning permission for the tower is not required as the development is already covered by a massive regeneration scheme by the state-backed Dublin Docklands Authority (DDA).
But An Taisce, Irelands national trust, has called for an assessment of its impact on the cityscape of the traditional historic southside Georgian sector of the city.
"We have raised concerns about the overall lack of a strategy in Dublin to deal with global warming on developments in the docklands area, north and south of the River Liffey," An Taisces Heritage Officer Ian Lumley told AFP
Lumley said it would be "preferable" if the tower went through the normal planning process.
"We want to see it subject to proper public consultation. There is a sense of it being done in a far too behind-the-scenes manner."
While An Taisce has not taken a position on the U2 Tower, it is on a collision course with multi-millionaires Bono and The Edge because of their proposed 150 million euro reconstruction project for a listed building hotel.
Originally built in 1852, they took over the Liffeyside Clarence Hotel in the 1990s and extensively refurbished it as a five-star boutique hotel with 48 rooms and suites.
It attracted visitors to the city like former US president Bill Clinton and international rocks stars and supermodels.
Dublin City Council have given the go-ahead for the demolition of the Clarence and five neighbouring properties in the trendy Temple Bar area of Dublin that was regenerated over a decade ago as the citys "Left Bank".
The promised new super-luxurious Clarence will have more than 140 bedrooms, a "signature" restaurant and a rooftop "Skycatcher atrium".
A spokesman for Bono and The Edge said that as a result of the "remarkable financial success" of the country in the recent years of the Celtic Tiger economic boom there was a real need for a hotel of this stature.
"It will have positive influence on the perspective of Dublin internationally and encourage further financial investment in the city centre," he said.
"It is also the intention to build Europes most sustainable hotel in the heart of Irelands capital. The design is environmentally as well as architecturally progressive," the spokesman said.
Lumley, however, described it as the biggest proposed demolition in recent years and An Taisce have lodged objections with Irelands planning appeals board that will hold an oral hearing.
Under Irish law, Lumley said developers can argue for such demolitions on the basis of "exceptional circumstance".
"This is the largest and most problematic development affecting protected structures in Dublin for a decade. We dont regard the demolition of the Clarence as exceptional or a national priority," Lumley said.
