Wicklow County Council Refuses Planning Permission for Sinéad O’Connor’s Former Bray Seafront Home Conversion into Apartments.

A former million euro home belonging to the renowned Irish singer and songwriter, Sinéad O’Connor, may not be turned into apartments after the local council refused planning permission. The decision, which has been met with mixed reactions, comes after strong opposition from concerned residents in the area. In this article, we delve into the details of the proposal and explore the reasons behind the council’s refusal.


Wicklow County Council has denied planning permission for the conversion of Sinéad O’Connor’s former €1 million Bray seafront home into apartments. The Council stated that the proposal would not be in keeping with the surrounding area’s character and would obstruct views of protected structures. The council also found that the proposed roof structure would negatively impact the area’s architectural character, and there was insufficient proof of the proposed site’s impact on neighbouring properties. Rachel Carthy had initially submitted plans to convert Montebello into five apartments, including the construction of a three-storey extension, but the council refused permission despite several revised plans with reduced building heights. Neighbours objected to the development, claiming that it was excessive, commercial and would undermine the living environment’s existing quality, resulting in overshadowing and overlooking. The singer sold the Strand Road property in 2021 for €1.04m after purchasing it in 2007 for a reported €1.7m.


In conclusion, the refusal by the council to grant permission to convert Sinéad O’Connor’s former €1m home into apartments may come as a disappointment to some investors, but it is ultimately a victory for local opposition. The strength of community voices and concern for preserving the character of the neighborhood has prevailed over commercial interests. This decision sends a clear message that development must be in line with the wishes of the surrounding community and respect the historic character of the area. It is heartening to see the power of collective action in defending the places we call home. Let us hope that this decision sets a precedent for future developments that prioritize community over profit.