DUBLIN’S ICONIC SCREEN cinema is to close, a union representative has claimed.

A director of IMC Cinemas, who own the cinema, confirmed to TheJournal.ie that the Hawkins Street cinema would close on 29 February.

Paul Ward added that he had no further comment when asked about staff.

The cinema, which has typically specialised in art-house and independent releases, has been in operation since 1984.

It is owned by the Ward family, which also runs the Savoy on O’Connell Street. Both cinemas are part of the family’s IMC chain.

Siptu representative Graham Macken told TheJournal.ie that staff will be transferred to the Savoy without the option of redundancy.

We have two members in the cinema who had discussions with management themselves. There was talk of a redundancy deal, but the sale of the cinema had fallen through and that was taken off the table.

“The members have asked us to intervene, so we’ve sought a meeting with management.”

The cinema’s iconic bronze usher statue was removed two weeks ago.

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