In 2021 the Olympia signed a sponsorship deal with 3, a mobile phone company, who also sponsor the Point in Dublin's Docklands and subsequently applied for planning permission in 2022 to erect a faux-art-deco arch over the building and adding several LED screens to the exterior as well as internal alterations.

Dublin City Council allowed for much of the permissions sought including for refurbishment of much of the fixtures but refused painting of the lower ground floor from red to grey, the aforementioned faux art-deco arch and the LED screens.

I think the decision to allow for necessary amendments to the building is important but the LED screens, I'm glad those did not get the permission requested.

Imagine the view of the Olympia from Dublin's iconic City Hall here, with bright and shiny LED lights going 24 hours a day.

In reality, most artists on at the Olympia would not need much advertising in order to sell tickets, so it wouldn't seem like in a cultural streetscape such as Dame Street that bright visual interruptions would be necessary. 

It does look like necessary works will be carried out but the classic Dame Street streetscape will remain the same, the colour can be changed - but not it seems to grey, no arch and no LED screens.

It's good to know that the Olympia will continue to welcome artists from Ireland and overseas for years to come.

Find out more about what's on at the Olympia.