Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 1

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Bernard Allen

Question:

195 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will ensure that the Guinness Real Tennis Court, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, is not demolished for use as an alternative facility. [13630/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The building in question was built in the last century as a private court for indoor tennis but has not been used for such activities since it was handed over to the State in 1939. Over the years to the present day it has been used by University College Dublin for different purposes and has been in use as an architectural-engineering laboratory since the 1970s. This current use of the interior is akin to that of a small industrial factory.

A proposal is currently before Dublin Corporation from the Office of Public Works, on behalf of the National Concert Hall, for planning permission to convert the interior of the building from its current use to that of a small auditorium for public performances. There is no question of demolishing the building and, if planning permission is forthcoming, it is the intention that any of its original features now remaining will be retained.