Rose Barrett

Dublin City Council (DCC) has granted planning permission for a 73-bedroom hotel close to St Stephen’s Green. Permission is granted to businessman Eamon Waters, writes Rose Barrett. The successful application is at a location called Textile House on Johnson Place The company submitted a revised plan in November last. The proposed hotel will be opposite the Grafton Hotel, also owned by Waters. He further owns the Chancery Hotel on Ship Street Great.

Fingal County Council Arts Office announced the return of the Fingal Artists’ Support Scheme for 2026, writes Rose Barrett. This funding stream offers professional artists the opportunity to apply for up to €5,000 to support travel and professional development opportunities, a residency, or towards the development of work.

Rush Clean Coasts group, part of Rush Tidy Towns kicked off 2026 by digging ropes, skip bags, timber and lobster pots out of the sand on Rush South Beach, writes Rose Barrett. Volunteers Brendan, Gerry, Vanessa and Brian undertook this exhausting job last Sunday when the tide was out. “These items get brought in by the tide and present a danger to both walkers and kite surfers who use the beach, not to mention the risks to sea life” according to Brendan, Rush Clean coasts coordinator.