The proposed location of a novelty sex shop by the UK retail chain Ann Summers at O'Connell Street has exposed "a fatal flaw" in the campaign to regenerate Dublin's main thoroughfare, according to the chief executive of Clerys.
Mr Denis Ryan said that unless Dublin Corporation had the power to decide on the make-up of the street, the dream of restoring O'Connell Street to its former glory would never be realised.
He called on the Government to take immediate action to stop the shop from opening by introducing legislation to enable the corporation "to manage the main tributary of the city in a manner which allows us all to feel proud."