Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 5

Ceisteanna–Questions Priority Questions - Architectural Heritage.

Enda Kenny

Question:

3 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has received a proposal and offer for the monastery of St. Alphonsus, St. Alphonsus Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the construction company in ownership of the monastery has offered it to the State for cultural and heritage use; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that An Taisce, the Irish Georgian Society and all residents associations in the area strongly support the offer; the action, if any, she will take to ensure this monastery, which is of national architectural significance, is not lost to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19165/99]

Miss de Valera

The Monastery Chapel of St. Alphonsus is a building of considerable architectural significance. It is on list one of the 1999 Dublin city development plan and cannot be altered or demolished without a grant of permission from the planning authority. The construction company referred to by the Deputy had suggested to my Department that consideration be given to acquiring the property. More recently the property has been put up for sale on the open market.

The protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities. This is reinforced in the recently enacted Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1999. My role is mainly to provide advice to planning authorities in the exercise of their functions. It would not be feasible to provide protection for the nation's architectural heritage through a programme of acquisitions. The best solution is to see continued use of buildings suitably safeguarded using the new powers under the Act. My officials have, however, recently made contact with representatives of the construction company in relation to the monastery chapel to see how best this important building can be protected for the future. At this stage it is not possible to say what the outcome of these discussions might be.

Mr. Kenny

Has the Taoiseach indicated to the Minister an interest in the sensitive preservation and continuation of this monastery?

Miss de Valera

I am sure the Deputy does not need to be told that the Taoiseach is aware of and takes great interest in everything that happens in and around his constituency as well as in the nation. This is a building of note, we must consider this issue carefully and we are doing so in conjunction with the construction company. I mentioned the new Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, which will come into effect on 1 January 2000 and will be administered by the Department of the Environment and Local Government, and will go a long way towards protecting such buildings. However, this is of such particular national concern that we should examine what use can be found for the building in the long-term in the context of protecting it. The issue of acquisition is under immediate consideration.

Mr. Kenny

I thank the Minister and am glad that the Taoiseach has interest in and understanding and knowledge of everything happening not only in his constituency but throughout the country. This chapel and monastery was designed by the great ecclesiastical architects Ashley and Cole- man and are not just of national but of international importance. I am also glad the Minister referred to the powers under the new legislation because I do not want another Sandymount to happen here. Under the existing legislation the chapel demolished in Sandymount should have been preserved for some future use. One does not want the Taoiseach to be finishing a pint of Bass in Kennedy's pub after a busy week—

An Ceann Comhairle

A question please, I remind the House that this is Question Time.

Mr. Kenny

—and to hear a bulldozer swallowing up the monastery of St. Alphonsus. Unlike others, this monastery is in perfect condition and has been wonderfully maintained. It is being offered to the State at a reasonable remit for continuation of its cultural, scientific or artistic value. The Minister should make no bones about this and, in the context of the advice received from her Department, she should ensure that this monastery of the enclosed Redemptorist Order, a unique piece of architecture, is maintained and preserved in some fashion for future generations. I ask her to take a personal interest to ensure this happens.

Miss de Valera

The developers appear not only to be reasonable but responsible in this regard and we look forward to further discussions which will be required before deciding on an option. The options available include the continued use of the chapel for religious purposes, the possibility of providing guided visitor access to part of our built heritage and the potential community use of the building, and all will be seriously considered. As mentioned, this is on list one of the 1999 Dublin city development plan and we all recognise its national significance.

Mr. Kenny

I thank the Minister for sending out officials from Dúchas who showed great interest in this matter and reported clearly on it. I would like the local authority to show an interest as it is a principal organ of development in this area. I know it has responsibility for many other buildings but this one should not be lost. I urge the Minister, through her good offices and the power she has with Dúchas, to ensure that whatever is necessary is done, with a reasonable developer and in the context of the architecture of the other buildings. We do not want another Sandymount church on our hands. As we enter the final months of this millennium it would be a national disgrace to allow an example of international architecture to deteriorate before our eyes. The Minister has the advisory capacity which she should use so we will not be back here in six months—

An Ceann Comhairle

We must proceed to the next question.

Miss de Valera

I wish to clarify—

An Ceann Comhairle

Very briefly.

Miss de Valera

—the position on the Sandymount church to which the Deputy has referred twice. I was sad to see the demolition of that church. However, this is a different case as St. Alphonsus' Monastery is nationally recognised, unlike the Sandymount church.