One of Cork's best known pubs and restaurants - the Crow's Nest (closed following an extensive fire three years ago) - is set to be transformed into an apartment development with a pub and restaurant.

The landmark pub on Carrigrohane Road, Victoria Cross on the southern side of the River Lee, will be given a major makeover by developers Barry O'Connor and Robert Kennedy.

An Bord Pleanála has approved their plans to demolish all buildings on the 0.6-acre site and build a five-storey building with an eight-storey landmark tower. The scheme will comprise 54 apartments, a pub, restaurant, offices and shop. Planning permission was granted subject to 25 conditions.

Originally the developers had sought permission for 74 apartments and a tower element rising to 15 storeys but the permitted height was reduced by both the local authority and the planning board.