The High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining the carrying-out of works, except under the terms of a lease granted in 1987, on the site of Bewley's cafe on Grafton Street.
It is alleged that the premises are a protected structure and that the works being carried out are significant and require planning permission, which has allegedly not been obtained.
It is claimed that, among other alterations to the premises, a Harry Clarke stained glass window has been removed, there has been extensive removal of dark wood wall panelling on the ground floor and removal of the heavy wallpaper that covered the premises.
It is further alleged that the heavy mahogany trim framing three other Harry Clarke stained glass windows has been painted white, which, it is claimed, has "changed dramatically" the setting of the windows.
Ickendel Limited, owners of the site, sought the interim order yesterday in an ex parte application to Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan. The company said it was concerned the works would fundamentally alter the nature of the premises.
The judge granted the order to Hugh O'Neill SC, for Ickendel, against the Campbell Bewley Group Limited and returned the matter to Tuesday next.
The interim order restrains the Campbell Bewley Group and all persons with notice of the making of the order from carrying out any works to the Bewley's premises at 78/79 Grafton Street and 2, 3 and 4 Johnson's Court otherwise than in compliance with a lease dated September 22nd, 1987, which was made between Royal Insurance plc, Bewley's Cafes Limited and Campbell Catering Limited.
Ickendel is also seeking orders restraining CBG and others from assigning, underletting, sharing or parting with possession or occupation of the premises otherwise than in compliance with the 1987 lease.
It also wants the court to direct CBG to disclose the identity of all persons with whom it has entered into, or proposes to enter into, arrangements for the provision of management services, or the giving or sharing of possession or facilities, at the premises.