Temple Bar venue overruled

IRISH planning authorities have turned down a proposal to expand a Dublin restaurant in one of the most fashionable areas of the city, because it says there are enough restaurants already.

The Irish Planning Board overruled a local planning authority decision to allow the redevelopment of Blazes restaurant, as it has done with other recent applications in the Temple Bar area.

The board's reasons were the proposed size of the redevelopment, its expected late-night activities and its proximity to new flats that are soon to be built.

Meanwhile, Dublin Tourism has condemned Temple Bar's stand against British stag parties.

Frank Magee, chief executive officer of Dublin Tourism, said:"We see no reason why they should be discriminated against. If they behave themselves why should they be refused service?"

He added that Temple Bar could make its own decisions on its own area, but that while Dublin Tourism had never actively promoted stag parties, it would continue to welcome everybody to Dublin.