The original plan for the beer garden at Keaven’s Port invovled a sound barrier described by one objector as ‘taller than the Berlin Wall’
UK pub giant JD Wetherspoon is proposing to deploy a two-inch thick and 13-foot-high acoustic glass screen, with a four-inch thick acoustic quilt, at one of its venues in Dublin, in a bid to allay local residents’ concerns about noise levels.
It is now one year since JD Wetherspoon abandoned a contentious plan to erect a 43ft-high sound barrier, described as “taller than the Berlin Wall” by one objector, for a beer garden at its pub in the Keaven’s Port hotel on Camden Street.
The UK company withdrew an appeal at An Bord Pleanála against Dublin City Council’s comprehensive rejection of the sound barrier, amid strong local opposition.
The Keaven’s Port hotel is the group’s largest single investment in Ireland, and now the firm has given notice that it is to lodge plans in the coming days with Dublin City Council for an array of noise-limiting elements to allow the operation of a 560 sqft (52sqm) partially enclosed pavilion area at the rear.
The pavilion area will be located 18.7 metres from the existing southern boundary wall to Courtyard One.
In a move to address residents’ concerns, JD Wetherspoon is proposing to construct a 13ft-high acoustic glass screen and a screen that will be 27ft wide.
The glass – which will be two inches thick – will be fixed to the pavilion and wall at an angle, with the four-inch-thick acoustic quilt to be installed under the roof steel beam frame of the pavilion.
The plan also includes the construction of an acoustic glazed low-level structural wall and frame facing the south side boundary of the courtyard. This is intended to stop customers getting access to the southern end of the external courtyard.
The pub operator is also planning to put in place two external canopies located either side of the pavilion, with an uncovered patrons’ smoking area covering 1,130 sqft (105 sqm) to the northern end of Courtyard One.
The plan also involves a ‘green’ roof system above the pavilion, including acoustic glass skylights.
In April 2022, Wetherspoon’s ceased trading at the courtyard of the pub following the local complaints.
A spokesman said: “Wetherspoon has explored with its architects, acoustic experts and planning consultants a number of options to minimise potential disturbance to neighbours, so that the attractive main courtyard garden at the hotel can be used by the public. The garden is currently closed.
“The proposed scheme is designed to attenuate sound issues and the company now awaits the determination of the application by Dublin City Council. The garden will remain closed in the interim.”
