A Waterford-based company is facing opposition to its plans to convert a property in Dublin 4 into a new embassy.

The Causeway Group was granted planning permission by Dublin City Council last month to change the use of 80 Northumberland Road in Ballsbridge from residential to an embassy and office.

However, the project has now been stalled after the Pembroke Road Association lodged an appeal against the decision with An Coimisiún Pleanála.

According to The Irish Times, the Waterford-based Causeway Group purchased the red-brick property from MS Ireland for €2.25 million in February.

The building dates from the late 1800s.

While planning documents do not name the country whose embassy would occupy the property, The Irish Times reports that it is understood to be Algeria’s embassy in Ireland.

Dublin City Council had approved the proposed change of use, with its planner’s report finding that an embassy would be in keeping with the site’s zoning and would not negatively affect residential amenities.

However, residents have raised a number of concerns in their appeal.

The Pembroke Road Association argues that embassies can attract protests, pointing to demonstrations previously held near the Israeli embassy on Pembroke Road and at the US Embassy in the area.

Association chair Susan McCarrick said protests are becoming a greater feature of everyday life and that embassies can become “flash points”.

Concerns were also raised over the potential security infrastructure associated with an embassy, including bollards, CCTV, barriers and private security.

The association has further highlighted the potential for increased footfall and congestion from people attending consular services.

It also questioned the loss of a residential property at a time when the country is experiencing a housing crisis.

The original property owner, MS Ireland, said the building was sold as part of plans to consolidate its operations and further develop its respite centre in Rathgar.

The future of the Waterford company’s embassy proposal will now depend on the outcome of the appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála.