Sir, Congratulations to Fianna Fail which recently announced that, like the PDs, it is to introduce a private members' Bill on reform of listed buildings legislation. The good news for Mr Ahern and other correspondents who, quite properly, cite the shameful condition of the house where James Joyce set his short story, The Dead, as indicative of failures in the current listing system, is that after a three year battle, it is to be restored courtesy of Heritage Properties. Amongst the continuing litany of bad news is that the National Gallery is entertaining proposals for its extension which include the demolition of 5 South Leinster Street, with its fine 18th century plasterwork.
Much more seriously in terms of precedent, An Bord Pleanala has quietly granted permission for demolition of the Herbert Street side of the Convent of Mercy on Baggot Street. This is the first time in the history of the State that permission has been granted for demolition of a sound List 1 building. No building is safe.
By way of reply to another of your correspondents, who recently wondered if the demolition of six listed buildings in Derry in one year was a record, the Hilton Hotel scheme for College Street in Dublin alone proposes serious interference with, or demolition of, no less than four List 1 buildings, two List 2 buildings and three buildings in a conservation area. It includes the unnecessary, complete demolition of three Wide Street Commissioners' buildings on Westmoreland Street and of Nos 3-4 College Street.
It has never been more important that the Coalition Government meet its clear commitment, under the Programme for Government, to "improve the protection for listed buildings, including introducing incentives for proper upkeep and maintenance."
Yours, etc.,
Chairman, An Taisce,
Dublin City
Planning Committee,
Tailors' Hall,
Dublin 8.