Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 8

Written Answers. - Dublin Georgian Buildings.

Eoin Ryan

Question:

158 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the criteria upon which he based his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 330 of 26 March 1996, in which he stated that numbers 44 and 45 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 are not considered notable; the criteria upon which the term, attractive features of the Georgian era, is based; the steps, if any, that are being taken to ensure their preservation; the length of time these buildings have been in the possession of the State; when they came into the possession of his Department; the alterations, if any, that have taken place to either the fabric of the buildings or the interior features during this time; the plans, drawings or pictures of these buildings or their interiors that are available to interested students or the public; and if he will have arrangements made to have a survey undertaken of these buildings to assess their current condition and to undertake such work of preservation as may be necessary. [7368/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

The interiors of these buildings are typical of this type of building in Dublin. The high level of decorative plasterwork, carving on marble fireplaces and the stone staircases, particularly at ground and first floor levels, are also to be found in the majority of Georgian buildings. Nonetheless, they are excellent examples of the craftsmanship and skill which created such a distinctive part of our built heritage.

The term, attractive features of the Georgian era, is based on the critiera that they are original to the building and typical of the ornate and distinctive decoration and standard of fitting, used in similar houses, built at that time.

The Commissioners of Public Works took over these houses in 1926. They were occupied by the Patents Office of this Department shortly afterwards and have been used by that office since that time. Alterations have been made at many times over the two centuries since these houses were built. For example, it appears that some of the window sashes were replaced well before they came into State ownership and various other minor modifications were carried out over the years, to accommodate office use within the overall structure of the buildings.

These buildings are maintained by the Office of Public Works and that office undertakes a biennial survey of the houses to assess their condition and plan any maintenance and remedial works which are considered necessary to ensure their preservation, particularly any measures which are necessary to protect the fabric of the building and keep it in good and substantial repair. Routine maintenance and decoration is carried out on a regular basis as necessary.

This Department does not have available any plans, drawings or pictures of these buildings. Such material may be available in the Irish Archtectural Archive or the National Archive.