McGregor’s change of use at former barbers is approved planning

DUBLIN City Council granted planning permission for Conor McGregor’s company Jemi Ventures, which owns his Black Forge Inn Pub in Drimnagh, for approval to change the use of the former Roche’s Barber Shop premises into a residential unit.

Roches Barbers, which had been in operation at the premises on Drimnagh Road since 1952, closed to the public at the end of September.

The Roches were told last March by the building owners that they would have to vacate the unit.

Speaking to The Echo ahead of their closure in September, Vincent Roche of Roches Barbers, said the current landlord “is requiring the space back.”

“We’re the tenants and they’re the owners so we’re not going to fight – it wouldn’t be right. They own the building, and we respect that.

“I’m obviously saddened and disappointed that we have to close, but I’ve no hard feelings against the landlord,” said Vincent, whose dad opened the shop with his brother-in-law Dessie Smith in 1952.

At the time of closing, Roches on Drimnagh Road had an average of 150 customers a week.

According to the plans lodged with the city council, the proposal includes a change of use from commercial (barber shop) to residential at first floor level, and additional floor area to the existing one-bed apartment at first floor level.

The proposed works also includes the removal of an existing rear single storey extension at first floor level to accommodate a proposed corridor link extension, and a plant enclosure on the roof of the proposed extension.

The proposal also includes the provision of a privacy screen to the rear, adjacent to the proposed corridor link extension at first floor level and a glazed retractable canopy over the outdoor dining area to the rear.

All of the proposed works contained within the application are located to the rear, with no works proposed to the front elevation facing Drimnagh Road.