The developers building a six-storey hotel at Portobello Plaza didn't pay a cent to rent the public square for two years.
The Plaza was cordoned off in December last year to allow for storage space for the construction which likely won't be finished until 2023. Residents were outraged when they realised a large portion of the square would be occupied by construction equipment and martials.
Dublin City Council's Chief Executive Owen Keegan said the developers only paid for the "standard road opening and hoarding licence" and nothing for a large portion of the plaza in an area with a shortage of public spaces. Fine Gael Councillor Danny Byrne, who asked the Chief about the situation, was "shocked" by the revelation.
Read more: Residents outraged after Portobello Plaza is 'completely blocked off' as part of works for new hotel
The response read: "Other than the standard road opening and hoarding licence payable by the developer in respect of their use of Portobello Square/harbour, no other money has been paid to Dublin City Council for the use of the square."
Cllr Byrne suggested the developers should have paid and the funds generated should have been used for the restoration of the square. He said: "I was shocked to find out that no money was paid to the City Council.
"I would suggest that money should have been paid which should have been earmarked for the restoration of the square when the construction is finished." Cllr Byrne added that he would like more information as to why no monies were paid for the use of the square.
A consultation on the restoration of the square has taken place and the Richmond Row, which runs along the square, may be pedestrianised as part of the restoration.
A spokesman for Dublin City Council said at the time the hoarding was put up that a "cash bond" was paid to DCC which will be repaid when the construction is completed and the plaza is handed back.
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