CHQ, developed by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, has a high vacancy rate; much of it has never been occupied

The Kelleher family, which is behind retailers Blarney Woollen Mills and Meadows & Byrne, is one of the shortlisted parties interested in taking over the troubled €50m CHQ retail complex in Dublin's docklands, the 'Sunday Tribune' has learned.

The retail scheme, which was developed by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) in the historic Stack A warehouse beside George's Dock, has been hit by poor footfall and has a high vacancy rate.

At least two other offers are believed to have been made for the building.

The DDDA had previously said it was considering all options relating to CHQ, including closure. Much of the scheme has never been occupied, particularly the basement areas.

In 2008 the DDDA granted itself planning permission to allow the use of the building as a bowling alley with bar and dining facilities, but those plans have not come to fruition.

CHQ was initially pitched at high-end retailers such as Prada, Gucci and Harvey Nichols, but none of them signed up. Many of the tenants who opened there instead have closed their doors in recent months.

Meadows & Byrne has eight shops around the country, including one at CHQ.