Yvonne McGuinness and Cillian Murphy's Kerry cinema plan delayed by neighbours' appeals
The major redevelopment of a cinema bought by artist Yvonne McGuinness and actor Cillian Murphy has been appealed to the planning commission by several local residents. The ambitious redevelopment included retaining the building as a cinema while expanding its use to include a multi-disciplinary performance space, exhibition and rehearsal areas, a bar, cafe, and restaurant, artist studios, and a redesigned courtyard.The planning application followed extensive public consultation, including meetings and presentations held in the old cinema. The project also secured €933,000 in Government funding. Phoenix cinema in Dingle. [2025]However, the future of the historic cinema now lies in the hands of An Coimisiún Pleanála following several third-party appeals by local residents.'Too big' One objector, Michael Nelligan, whose property abuts the development site, called the proposal "too big," adding that it would have a "significant devaluing negative impact" on the enjoyment of his property. "The loss of light, surrounding effect of the new building on our back garden and the scale of the new building... is not appropriate," Mr Nelligan wrote in his submission to the council. "I feel the building should be significantly scaled back to take into account our right to light, our privacy in our back garden and the enjoyment of our property."Local doctor Conor Brosnan also objected to the development, writing on behalf of his patients at Dingle Medical Centre to Kerry County Council.In his submission, Dr Brosnan said finding parking had become a "significant issue" for many patients, particularly those with impaired mobility or who are feeling unwell."My concern is that parking will become more difficult and unsafe for such patients during the cinema's development and in the long term, when it is used for daytime events."Dr Brosnan said a comprehensive parking plan "would protect patient safety, reduce traffic conflicts, support construction logistics, and enhance the project's public image" among other benefits. Another objector, Liam O'Keeffe, raised concerns about the addition of a gallery, shop and performance space to the building.In his submission to Kerry County Council, Mr O'Keeffe wrote: "As far as I can tell... only two housing units will be provided in the development. "There should only be housing built on the site and not a gallery, shop, performing space, etc. Housing for people, wherever they are from originally, should be built, and not commercial, sporting, artistic or industrial buildings." Actor Cillian Murphy who has bought the Phoenix Cinema in Dingle, County Kerry pictured at 2010 Dingle Film Festival.Murphy and McGuinness are long associated with the west Kerry Gaeltacht. The Cork actor’s parents holidayed in the area for decades and he now spends extended periods there with his own family.His artist wife Yvonne said the aim is to reopen the doors and broaden the venue’s creative potential, restoring its place at the heart of the town’s cultural life.The Phoenix was destroyed by fire in 1921 and again in 1938 but was rebuilt on both occasions by the Houlihan family, inspiring its name. Before it closure during the covid pandemic, the cinema served the west Kerry community for over 100 years, having become a social and cultural hub, hosting drama, concerts and dances, and later welcoming showbands and performers including Rory Gallagher and Dana.The planning commission is due to decide on the appeal by July 27, 2026.
