U2 blasted by environmentalist group

U2 have been blasted by environmentalist groups over their plans for two building projects in Dublin.

The Irish rockers have been accused of arrogance and possibly damaging the city's skyline with their designs.

The band have promised to turn The Clarence into one of the most spectacular hotels in Europe with a £100 million revamp.

The group revitalised the property in the '90s, after a tax-exemption scheme was introduced in the Temple Bar district.

U2's plans have been criticised by veteran environmental campaigner Mike Smith. He told The Guardian: "Since 2000 Ireland has had strong protection for listed buildings which are now called 'protected structures'.

"In the case of The Clarence the developers' belief that there is an exceptional need to pander to international five-star punters' alleged insistence on underground parking and swimming pools is unlikely to pass muster.

"If An Bord Pleanála (The Planning Board) say yes I will go straight to the high court to block what U2 are planning.

"The common good is not served by allowing the richest people in Ireland to build with the benefit of tax incentives, which is what happened to Temple Bar and The Clarence, only to demolish when they get bored."

Meanwhile, the Irish equivalent of the National Trust, An Taisce, is demanding a public inquiry into a 32-storey U2 Tower, which will be placed at the mouth of Dublin Bay.

An Taisce said: "Our biggest concern is that the U2 Tower will stick out of the skyline from parts of Georgian Dublin like Merrion Square.

"It could potentially be an incongruous blot on the skyline on the south side of the city."