Madam, - The future is bleak indeed for the survival of any building or group of buildings of architectural merit in the city of Dublin and countrywide, whether protected or unprotected, in light of the recent decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for the redevelopment of the Clarence Hotel.
I believe this decision undermines the very essence of our present planning legislation and policies relating to architectural heritage as set out in Dublin City Council's Development Plan and the Department of Environment guidelines for planning authorities on architectural heritage protection. This sets a disturbing precedent for the demolition of protected and unprotected structures and the loss of historic built fabric and bodes ill for the future of our rich architectural heritage. - Yours, etc,
MARY McDONALD, BArch, MUBC, MRIAI,
Stoneybatter,
Dublin 7.