U2 frontmen Bono and The Edge have won a 4 year legal battle in Dublin, Ireland which will entitle them to remodel the hotel that they own, in partnership with property developer Paddy McKillen.  ‘The Clarence’, the property in question,  is an old-fashioned, riverfront hotel in the Temple Bar district of Dubin, an area which is packed with pubs and tourists.  The $235 million dollar plan is to expand the number of rooms to 166 and to include an enourmous, flood-lit atrium which will be called the “Flying Saucer”.  The opponents of this ambitious plan say that, in essence, they were given the go-ahead basically because of who they (Bono and Edge) are….

“We would obviously condemn the decision. It undermines national legislation on architectural heritage because of the number of protected sites being demolished,” said Ian Lumley, an officer with An Taisce, Ireland’s heritage-protection organization.

As if this wasn’t enough, plans are in the works for a U2 Tower to be built, which when completed will be Ireland’s tallest building.  The 120 metre tall building should be completed by 2012 and will house U2’s brand new recording studio at the very top.  I think this project, as well as refurbishing The Clarence, sound like wonderful ideas.  If U2 wants to revitalize their city and make it a better place for its citizens as well as tourists, I say let them have at it.  I’d love to visit there someday when it’s all said and done!

Source, Photo:  PR Photos

Reported at: 8:37 pm | By: Pink Meanie |
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