An Bord Pleanála has refused a planning application from SIPTU to redevelop Liberty Hall in Dublin.
The authority says planning permission was refused because the proposed new 23-storey building would be "unacceptably dominant in the city and would be visually intrusive in the streetscape and riverscape".
Dublin City Council had previously granted permission for the development though it had included 19 conditions including a realignment of some of the upper levels of the building.
The body also said it considered that the site of Liberty Hall is "of national historic and social significance and is located at a prominent and sensitive location fronting onto the River Liffey, within the historic city core of Dublin and adjacent to the Custom House, a protected structure of primary importance in the State".
It said the height of the development would be "unacceptably dominant in the city" and would seriously injure the visual amenities of the city and its skyline.
It added that the development would seriously detract "from the setting and character of the Custom House, would intrude on the O"Connell Street and Grafton Street Architectural Conservation Areas and other important vistas in the city".
Irish Life Assurance plc and others had appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála.
Proposed development
The proposed development would have seen the demolition of the existing Liberty Hall with proposals for a new mixed use building part 22 storeys (with a height of approximately 93.65 metres from footpath level and part 3-storeys (with a height of approximately 17.15 metres from footpath level with mezzanine at ground level.
The total height of the proposed building from footpath level was approximately 100.65 metres.
The new building would have accommodated offices, a public heritage centre including a Skydeck viewing facility and café.
It was also to incorporate a visitor ticketing area, Skylift lobby, a theatre/conference area and auditorium.
The body also said it considered that the site of Liberty Hall is "of national historic and social significance and is located at a prominent and sensitive location fronting onto the River Liffey, within the historic city core of Dublin and adjacent to the Custom House, a protected structure of primary importance in the State".
