Dublin council says a food magnate's new restaurant poses an 'unacceptable' risk
Roberta’s in Dublin city centre commenced trading less than two months ago.
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL has launched High Court proceedings aimed at closing down a large city centre-based bar and restaurant connected to well-known establishments such as Sophie’s at the Dean and Cleaver East.
The action has been brought in relation to Roberta’s which is located on the first floor of Dollard House at Wellington Quay and Essex Street East, Dublin 2. The establishment commenced trading in May.
The restaurant and bar is operated by The Workman’s Club Ltd which is owned by the Press Up group – the hospitality firm owned by Patrick McKillen Jnr and Matthew Ryan. The group is also behind The Liquor Rooms, Cleaver East and Wowburger.
Dublin City Council (DCC) claims the restaurant exposes its staff and customers to an unacceptable and unnecessary risk by acting in clear disregard of building control requirements.
DCC wants the bar and restaurant to cease operating until a number of mandatory steps are taken.
These steps include the restaurant’s owners and operators obtaining a disability access certificate and a fire safety certificate.
DCC’s action has been brought, under the 1990 Building Control Act, against The Workman’s Club, which it is claimed holds the lease on parts of the property.
The action is also against Keywell Designated Activity Company, which is partially owned by U2′s Bono and The Edge. It is claimed their firm owns the premises.
Defence
Stephen Dodd for DCC said that the restaurant is a large premises which can cater for up to 300 customers and had commenced trading in late May.
Counsel said that it was their case that the restaurant opened after extensive works were carried out to the building.
The restaurant is located on the first floor, while the basement and the ground floor are currently undergoing construction works.
Counsel said an inspection of the premises by DCC found gaps in the application of fire-resistant coatings to structural steel in the building, which called into question the integrity of fire resistance of the structure.
Counsel said DCC did give the a clear forewarning about its requirements to comply with the building regulations but has failed to adhere to the building regulations.
The Workman’s Club is operating a large restaurant without the required certificates and approval which DCC said represented a risk to members of the public and staff of the premises.
DCC’s application came before Justice Seamus Noonan at thesitting of the High Court. The judge on an ex-parte basis granted DCC permission to serve short notice of the proceedings on the respondents.
The judge adjourned the matter to Friday’s sitting of the court.
Additional reporting by Killian Woods.
