asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the recent demolition of an A listed building at Clare Street, Dublin 2, which had been the subject of repeated applications to Dublin Corporation by the owners for demolition, which had been turned down because of the importance of the building, but on subsequent inspection was found to have had the main joists cut through with a saw, lead removed from the roof and other works of a detrimental nature carried out and will therefore have to be demolished by Dublin Corporation; the proposals, if any, he has to update legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Building Demolition.
49.
I understand from Dublin Corporation that a notice under section 3 of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1964, was served by them on 11 May 1987 on the owners of a building in Clare Street listed for preservation in the Dublin City Development Plan. The building has, in the opinion of the corporation, become dangerous and the notice requires the removal of the top two storeys.
I am satisfied that additional measures are needed to combat the dereliction and decay of buildings in urban areas and to enable effective action to be taken against owners who are deliberately allowing their property to run down. I hope to complete the preparation of the necessary legislation and to bring proposals to Government later this year. In addition, the National Monuments Bill, 1986, which is at present at Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann, provides that protection under the National Monuments Acts can be applied to a building or groups of buildings in urban areas.