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U2 sing in Quay for recording of new studio album
Posted on Thursday, January 31 @ 04:23:44 CET by Macphisto
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(Irish Examiner) -- By Vivion Kilfeather
ROCK superstars U2 have started recording tracks for a new album at their Dublin studio which the Docklands Authority wants to demolish by compulsory order.
The ban's lawyer Garret Simons argued the rock stars had invested heavily in the studio over the past seven years.
This investment, he said, was tangible in both artistic and monetary terms and the name of U2 was now synonymous with the area.
They had recorded four albums at No 15 Hanover Quay - Passengers, Pop, Million Dollar Hotel and All that you Can't Leave Behind.
The Dublin Docklands Authority is seeking the demolition of the U2 studios, along with two premises owned by property developer, Harry Crosbie, to clear the way for a €2 billion public amenity scheme comprising shops, cafes, new homes and an attractive canal facility.
A decision by An Bord Pleanála is expected within a period of about two months.
The only member of the public to address the two-day hearing was Mr Michael Heery of North King Street, Dublin.
He described himself as a boat owner for the past 15 years and welcomed the Docklands development.
Mr Heery said there had been an ever increasing encroachment by developers into an area of Hanover Quay which he felt was public property, and this had diminished the area's public amenity value.
He said these encroachments had been accompanied at times by very strong-arms tactics against those who disagreed.
He had been threatened that both his car and boat would be destroyed on a number of occasions and was aware similar action was taken against others.
Concrete barriers had been placed on the Quay wall to restrict his movements to and from his boat and property owners had virtually taken over public property for themselves, he said.
He was harassed by property owners in the area who had told him to berth his boat away from their property.
In addition they told him to shut down his engine while carrying out normal routine maintenance.
The Docklands Authority are involved in talks with the band's management aimed at finding a satisfactory compromise solution to the problem.
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