The band has finally found what they have been looking for: permission for a €150 million revamp of the Clarence Hotel. U2 have been given the green light by Dublin City Council to continue with their plans to turn the landmark property in Temple Bar into “the most spectacular hotel in Europe” according to Bono. However, environmentalists and conservationists have expressed outrage at Bono’s decision, as under planning law, councils should give permission to demolish listed buildings only “in exceptional circumstances”.