FIANNA FAIL will introduce incentives for developers to restore Dublin's Georgian buildings to the purpose for which they were intended family dwellings.
This was announced by the party's spokesman on ecology and urban renewal, Mr Eoin Ryan, when he launched its policy on Georgian Dublin yesterday in Mahaffy House, North Great George's Street.
Citing the meticulous restoration of the house by its owner, Ms Desiree Shortt, Mr Ryan said as a child he had lived for a while in a Georgian house in Fitzwilliam Square. These houses are ideally suited to family use.
"Fianna Fail believes that the next phase of our city's renewal should be focused on families. Residential spaces must be suitable as homes for families with children. Georgian houses provide a ready made structure of larger spaces, ideal for family living. Our 18th century building stock could become a custom designed complex of family living spaces.
Therefore Fianna Fail would introduce incentives to owners, developers and tenants of Georgian houses to allow for their refurbishment and upgrading. "Any change of use must ensure the retention of the detail, character and special atmosphere of these buildings," he said. This would include tax relief for maintenance and modification of building regulations to make them compatible with the character of the buildings.
Strict regulations would apply to ensure that developments would retain the character of the buildings, he said.
The party leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, said the party now wanted to see Georgian buildings become again the living heart of the city.
"This policy initiative will allow families live again in the finest houses Dublin has to offer. Returning these houses to their original use will also ensure that our heritage will be preserved for generations to come.