An appeal has been lodged against planning permission for a major redevelopment of the Phoenix Cinema in Dingle.
The historic cinema was bought in 2024 by visual artist Yvonne McGuinness, and her husband, Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy.
In February, Kerry County Council gave Dingle Phoenix Projects CLG the green light for the proposal, subject to 13 conditions.
This decision has been appealed to the planning body, An Coimisiún Pleanála, by locals and one person with an address over 50km away, in Mid Kerry.
The historic ‘picture house’ first opened on this site back in 1919, making it one of the earliest cinemas outside Dublin, but it was completely destroyed by a fire in 1921.
The team behind the redevelopment held several public meetings to outline their vision for the redevelopment, prior to seeking planning permission.
Last month, approval was granted by Kerry County Council for the new cinema, including an expanded, on-street reception and hospitality area, and a new black box space behind it which would be multi-purpose.
The decision has now been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
In submissions to Kerry County Council, one local highlighted concerns around parking, while another stated they welcome the development but they feel the proposed property is too big.
A third objector, with an address in Killorglin, states as far as they can tell, "only two housing units will be provided in the development", adding "there should only be housing built on the site and not a gallery, shop, performing space, etc”
An Coimisiún Pleanála is due to decide on the case by July 27th.
