A well-known and historic north Dublin pub is set to be redeveloped after years of being totally neglected.
The Drake Inn in Finglas was bought several years ago but soon became an eyesore for the village when it was left derelict.
But, there is finally some good news for the iconic establishment after Dublin City Councillor Noeleen Reilly announced that the haunt could be redeveloped after an application by Mulsh Sarl.
She said: "The Drake Inn was bought a number of years ago and left to fall into total disrepair.
"It is in the heart of Finglas Village and really did have a negative impact on the surrounding buildings and the village as a whole."
She continued: "Over the years I have put in various complaints to the derelict sites section of Dublin City Council as to its condition.
"Many stakeholders in Finglas like Tidy Towns and other businesses were doing their best to keep the appearance of the area clean and tidy but this building was an eyesore."
Councillor Reilly added that the pub had been "infested with rats" and that "there is a tree growing up through the roof".
She continued: "The fact that something is now happening on this site has to be welcomed. The planning application lodged is for a Gastropub and 37 apartments above."
"There will be a lot of people in Finglas unhappy that such a historic building is going to be demolished but it is a real pity that the owners let it fall into such a state that no elements can be saved."
Councillor Reilly said that while she was happy with the redevelopment, she feels that there needs to be an overall development for the village.
She concluded: "Developments in isolation can take away from the overall character.
"The development has two weeks now to lodge the designs and residents will have five weeks to make observations."
