Locals accuse Conor McGregor of turning planned Howth hotel into an "Ibiza" party venue

Howth residents have lodged objections to redevelopment plans at the former Waterside bar, which Conor McGregor has been accused of trying to turn into an Ibiza-style party venue.

The controversial UFC fighter has been taken on by several residents in the coastal north Dublin town over his proposed hotel for the site, with local Fingal County Council receiving multiple objections so far.

Developers have proposed demolishing the existing four- and two-storey building on Harbour Road and replacing it with a five- and four-storey “boutique hotel”, complete with a “residents’ terrace area” on the roof. The plans would see a pub retained on the ground floor.

Monica Lambert, a resident of Dunbo Hill which is to the rear of the premises, said she was alarmed at the rooftop terrace being planned on top of a four- to five-storey building, arguing against claims that it will be "a garden for residents".

"It will without doubt be used as a beer and party garden reminisced by Ibiza parties,” she said. This, she continued, would be “wholly out of character” for such a quiet, residential area. “The lack of consideration for community and residents leans heavily against the current application.”

Many other locals lodged similar objections to the County Council, including Nigel and Gail Clarke, who live to the rear of the Waterside. They argued the proposed roof terrace would infringe on their privacy, given that it would overlook “balconies and private spaces” at their residence. The terrace would, if given the go-ahead, essentially operate as a public space, create a precedent for this kind of amenity in Howth and result in noise and disruption, they told the local authority.

Permission for the development at the Waterside is being sought by G Boppers Limited. The Business Post reported earlier this year that Alan Geraghty, listed as a director of G Boppers Limited, bought the Waterside on behalf of McGregor in 2022.