The fashion multiple H&M will have the use of 3,370sq m (36,274sq ft) in the former National Irish Bank on Dublin's College Green under a planning application lodged by owners Paddy McKillen and Tony Leonard.

The businessmen are seeking permission to change the use of the basement, ground, mezzanine and first and second floors from banking to
retail.

Apart from internal alternations including the replacement of stairs and lifts, the application also proposes that the current entrance on Andrew Street should be converted to an additional entrance to the retail area and include a new shopfront and canopy. A new service entrance is proposed for the Church Lane elevation.

The application also seeks approval to change the use of the third, fourth and attic floors from banking offices to six one and two-bedroom apartments.

McKillen and Leonard, who bought the bank building from the Danske Bank for about €4.5 million, also own the former Bank of Ireland two doors away on College Green, which is now occupied by Abercrombie & Fitch.