Former workers of Clerys department store and their supporterss have been protesting a hearing by An Bord Pleanála.

The hearing relates to the development of the site in Dublin city centre.

City Councillor Éilis Ryan presented evidence earlier on Monday.

Prior to the hearing, she took part in the protest by the 'Justice for the Clerys Workers' campaign.

She said: "That this public hearing is taking place into this highly controversial development is due to the persistence of the Justice for the Clerys Workers Campaign in seeking a fair resolution to the closure of Clerys.

"At the hearing, I will be raising the issue of the up to €1.5mn development levy exemption granted to developers, consortium Natrium, the attempt to change the site’s main use from retail to office and the need to protect workers’ rights."

An application lodged with An Bord Pleanála is seeking the demolition of warehouses - as well as the refurbishment, extension and partial change of use of the Clerys building.

It wants to use the space to provide a mixed use retail, office, cafe/bar and hotel development.

The planning body has set a deadline for its decision in the case for May 18th.

Over 400 staff at the iconic Dublin department store lost their jobs with immediate effect in June 2015.

Workers were told the company had gone into liquidation, amid multi-million euro losses.

The store was also closed for a time in 2013,  after part of its roof collapsed following havy rain.