Planners order removal of pub’s ‘injurious’ neon signs

The owners of McGettigan’s bar off Eyre Square will have to remove their corporate signage from the front of the building, after planners ruled they cause “significant depreciation” of the area’s character.

Rocco Stone Ltd had sought permission to retain two of the neon signs and shamrocks on the front of the building.

According to an architectural heritage assessment included with the application, permission should be granted because there was previously ‘Bentley’ signage on the building.

“Whilst the signage is colourful and impactful, it is consistent with the pattern, fabric and form of signage that is present in the immediate and wider environs.

“In dealing with this application, the [Council] will have regard to their Shopfront Guidelines but also have to be conscious of the established character and form of modern shopfront treatments within the environs of Eyre Square.

“The placement of lettered signage to the fascia is ubiquitous and there is a common standard of placing additional lettering and signage to the upper floors.

“The Planning Authority has quite rightly allowed businesses in the area to feature their corporate colours, logos and livery within their street frontage. It is considered that the signage to be retained has taken its reference from modern signage standards present within the Architectural Conservation Area and from the pattern of signage that had been consented for use on ‘The Bentley’ (the previous business at this location),” conservation consultant John Cronin said.

However, city planners said the site is located within the Eyre Square Architectural Conservation Area (a “significant historic civic space) therefore the signage would contravene the City Development Plan.

They added that to allow the sign between the first and second floor remain would be “injurious to the visual amenity of the area”.

“The retention of the signs in combination with the additional works which do not have the benefit of planning permission including the two smaller logo signs and the works to the frontage of the building represents a significant depreciation of the character of the street scene and has an unacceptable impact on the character of this portion of the Eyre Square Architectural Conservation Area,” planners said.