Vol. 193 No. 4
andMr. Ryan asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the policy of the Government with regard to the preservation of eighteenth century architecture in Dublin; and whether the Government will be prepared to provide financial assistance for its preservation in Dublin in view of the desirability of preserving the best examples of eighteenth century town-planning and building in the capital city of Ireland.
52.
andMr. M.E. Dockrell asked the Minister for Local Government if in view of the widespread opposition to the proposed demolition of buildings in Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin he will take steps, including the introduction of legislation if necessary, to preserve the unity of eighteenth century architecture in that street.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
It is the policy of the Government that buildings or other structures of historical, architectural or artistic merit should be preserved where preservation is practicable and desirable. Provision is made in existing legislation whereby such buildings or other structures can be preserved. The Town and Regional Planning Acts, 1934 and 1939, empower the Dublin Corporation to provide in a planning scheme for the preservation of such buildings as they think fit. Pending the coming into operation of a planning scheme, the Corporation may exercise powers of interim control and any person aggrieved by any decision of the planning authority has the right of appeal to me. I have recently received an appeal against the decision of the Corporation to permit the demolition and rebuilding of Nos. 13 to 28 Lower Fitzwilliam Street. In view of the fact that my appellate authority is involved, I am not in a position to make any comment at this stage in relation to the merits of this particular case.
When arriving at his decision, will the Minister have regard to the fact that these buildings are a consequence of the civic pride and the patriotism of Irishmen in Grattan's Parliament who gave an example of town planning to this country and to the world? In the circumstances, would the Minister bear that in mind, lest it go on record that we in this generation appear to be unappreciative Philistines?
All relevant matters will be given consideration in this matter before a decision is reached.
That is relevant.
