Dublin City Council grants permission for house that inspired James Joyce's 'The Dead' to be converted into apartments

Former GAA manager Séamus 'Banty' McEnaney's firm, Brimwood UC, has received approval to transform the building where James Joyce's 'The Dead' was set into apartments, according to The Journal.

The house, located at 15 Usher’s Island, Dublin 8, served as the setting for Joyce's famous short story, and its exterior was featured in John Huston’s acclaimed 1987 film adaptation.

In a ten-page report, Dublin City Council has concluded that "the proposed development would not seriously injure the residential amenities of neighbouring dwellings or the amenities of the area."

Approval comes after Brimwood scaled back their refurbishment plans.

Last July, the firm proposed converting the building into ten apartments – seven one-bedroom units and three studios. This was later reduced to seven units following concerns raised by the Council.

No. 15 Usher's Island. Copyright RrBurke

Permission has ultimately been granted for six units after the Council recommended amalgamating two of the units into one apartment, in order "to protect the residential amenity of future residents."

The Council stated reducing the number of apartments to six "will facilitate the potential to provide a high quality two-bedroom unit which shall ensure that the development shall be aligned with a conservation led approach in conserving the building’s architectural, artistic and cultural special interest."

Last year, An Taisce objected to the initial plan, calling the property a "nationally-important house" that "is of too great a cultural heritage importance for conversion to multiple apartments."

A petition by local activist Zoe Obeimhen, which was signed by 1,675 people, also asked the Council to refuse planning permission.