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ACCORDING TO A RECENT PLANNING PERMISSION APPLICATION

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The Fegan Site on Chancery Street: A Dublin Landmark Facing Demolition

A recent planning permission application has revealed that the Fegan site on Chancery Street in Dublin is slated for demolition. This marks the end of an era for a business that has been a part of the city’s fabric for almost a century.

James Fegan, originally from Rathfriland, County Down, arrived in Dublin in the early 1920s. Finding employment scarce, he took the entrepreneurial route, establishing a small shop in Smithfield. Through sheer determination and dedication, he nurtured the business, which eventually flourished as Fegan’s Cash Carry.

While the exact date of the original shop’s opening remains unclear, it’s likely that “Fegan’s 1924”, a restaurant and café established on the site not long before the COVID-19 pandemic, commemorates the founding year of the original business. This establishment offered a contemporary dining experience while honouring the site’s rich history.

Over time, the business name transitioned from WM Fegan to Fegan’s Cash Carry, and the wholesale operation eventually relocated to Finglas. However, the Chancery Street site retained its significance, serving as a testament to the company’s enduring legacy.

The planning application provides a detailed description of the site’s boundaries:

North: Dublin City Council car park and multi-use games area
South: Chancery Street
West: 19-20 Chancery Street and St. Michan’s Place
East: 8-12 St. Michan’s Street
The proposed development outlines the demolition of all existing structures on the site, ranging from 1 to 4 storeys, including a reconfiguration of the basement level. In its place, a 7- to 8-storey building will be constructed, reaching an overall height of approximately 26.4 metres. This new development will accommodate:

12 residential apartments: Comprising 6 one-bed and 6 two-bed units, each with a private balcony, located on the first to sixth floors. Access to these apartments will be via St. Michan’s Street, with a communal roof terrace on the seventh floor.
96-bedroom tourist hostel: Occupying the majority of the building’s space.
Additional facilities: Including a plant room, tank room, and ESB substation.
The demolition of the Fegan site signifies the changing landscape of Dublin city, where historical landmarks often make way for modern developments. While the new project promises to bring residential and tourist accommodation to the area, it also marks the end of an era for a business that has been deeply rooted in Dublin’s history.

there’s a definite trend of former wholesaler sites in Dublin’s Markets Area (D7) being redeveloped into hotels, hostels, and student accommodation. This transformation is driven by a confluence of factors:

1. Shifting Economic Landscape:

Decline of Traditional Wholesale: The rise of online retail and larger distribution centres has put pressure on traditional wholesalers, particularly those located in city centres. Many are finding it increasingly difficult to compete, leading to closures and vacant properties.  
Tourism Boom: Dublin has experienced a significant increase in tourism in recent years. This has fuelled demand for hotels and hostels, particularly in central locations like the Markets Area, which is close to major tourist attractions.
Student Housing Shortage: Dublin also faces a severe shortage of affordable student accommodation. With a growing student population and limited housing options, developers see an opportunity to cater to this demand.  

2. Attractive Location:

Prime City Centre Location: The Markets Area is strategically located near Dublin’s city centre, making it attractive for both tourists and students. Its proximity to transport links, cultural attractions, and amenities adds to its appeal.
Historical Character: The area retains a unique historical character, with many old buildings and warehouses. This can be appealing to developers seeking to create distinctive hotels or student accommodation with a sense of place.  

3. Planning and Development:

Zoning Regulations: Dublin City Council’s development plan may favour the conversion of these sites into accommodation, as it aligns with the city’s need for more housing and tourist facilities.
Financial Viability: Redeveloping existing sites can be more financially viable than building from scratch. These former wholesaler sites often offer large footprints, allowing for higher-density developments that maximise returns.

Impact on the Area:

This trend has both positive and negative impacts on the Markets Area:

Positive:
Regeneration and revitalisation of the area
Increased economic activity and job creation
More accommodation options for tourists and students

Negative:
Loss of traditional businesses and character
Potential increase in property prices and rents
Strain on local infrastructure
The redevelopment of wholesaler sites in the Markets Area reflects the evolving nature of Dublin’s urban landscape. While it brings economic benefits and addresses accommodation needs, it also raises concerns about the preservation of the area’s historical character and the potential displacement of traditional businesses.