Plans for a 180-bedroom hotel in Dublin have been given the go-ahead despite objections from businessman Ben Dunne and local residents.

An Bord Pleanala approved the redevelopment of Twilfit House, a three-storey building at the junction of Jervis Street and Abbey Street Upper. It houses a Ben Dunne gym and the National Leprechaun Museum.

The building, a former corset factory, adjoins Wolfe Tone Park, and was acquired by London-based investment fund SW3 Capital in 2014. Abarta Investments, an associated company, sought to demolish the building and build an eight-storey, 218 bedroom hotel.

Dunne objected, partly due to the proposed temporary removal of 125 gravestones in Wolfe Tone Park during construction. An Taisce also opposed the development, which was supported by Failte Ireland. After the size