Vol. 515 No. 5
29 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the correspondence, if any, she has sent to South Dublin County Council regarding the future of Riversdale House, Rathfarnham, Dublin, the final home of W.B. Yeats; the response she has received from the council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6295/00]
Having been consulted by South Dublin County Council regarding a planning application to demolish Riversdale House and other buildings in the grounds of the former residence of W.B. Yeats, officials of my Department inspected the property. In their opinion the house dates to the early 18th century and is itself of architectural heritage value. The association with Yeats adds to this value.
On 9 February 2000 my Department, on my behalf, advised South Dublin County Council that Riversdale House should not be demolished and, furthermore, recommended that the house be included in the council's record of protected structures. Inclusion in this record places a duty on the owner to ensure that the building is not endangered in any way.
Planning authorities must have regard, under section 4 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1999, to any recommendations made by me. However, a decision may be made not to comply with a recommendation, provided that an explanation is made outlining the reasons why inclusion in the record of protected structures is considered inappropriate. I understand that the council has initiated the process to place the building on the record of protected structures.
In response to my recommendation the council passed a motion that the State acquire the property and develop it for heritage purposes. In addition, the council requested a meeting with my Department to discuss this and other implications. I am happy to facilitate this request for a meeting and the necessary arrangements are being made. However you will appreciate that the protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities. It is simply not possible to safeguard our built heritage by the State itself acquiring and presenting to the public each important structure.
The final decision on whether or not the planning application should be accepted or rejected rests with South Dublin County Council and its decision in the matter is awaited.
