Bank of Ireland granted planning permission for €36m College Green investment

Bank of Ireland has secured planning permission for the largest single investment in its iconic College Green buildings in more than 200 years. As well as extensive repairs, upgrading and restoration work, the €36 million investment will include improved facilities for customers and workspaces for colleagues.

Dublin City Council has given its approval for the project, which will take five years to complete. The Bank will now tender for the main project contractor and works are expected to begin by the end of 2023.

Bank of Ireland bought the former Irish parliament building in 1803 and opened it to the public as a banking hall in 1808. College Green has served as a bank ever since, making it one of the oldest banking halls in continuous use anywhere in the world. As well as a being busy working branch, College Green also provides office space for colleagues in personal, business and corporate lending, and a wide range of support functions.

Commenting on the project achieving planning approval, Susan Russell, Director, Retail Ireland said:

“College Green is part of our DNA and this investment will ensure that it continues to play a central role in the future development of Bank of Ireland and the city of Dublin. We will restore and conserve the historic fabric of these iconic buildings. We’re also bringing them into the 21st century with greener energy and heating systems and more spaces to serve customers and for colleagues to work from. We’re delighted to have secured planning permission for this substantial investment and we look forward to seeing our vision for College Green realised over the coming years.”

The project in figures

  • Repairs and upgrades to 280 windows, 45 staircases and 20 kilometres of electrical cabling.
  • College Green has 54 roofs, 80 roof lights and a combined 2.5 kilometres of roof walkways.
  • About 1,500 fire alarm devices and emergency lights will be upgraded as part of the works.
  • Two 300 year-old tapestries in the former House of Lords chamber will be cleaned and restored.

The other main features of the proposed investment include upgrading the facilities in the College Green branch for personal and business customers. There will also be a city-centre agile working hub for c. 50 staff as part of the Bank’s new hybrid working model, and a new space for hosting colleague events.