Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 1

Written Answers. - Church Sale.

Enda Kenny

Question:

150 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the offer for public sale of a church (details supplied) in Dublin; the level of protection afforded under current legislation to the building; her views on its international significance and importance; if she has attempted to have the building acquired by the State or the local authority for appropriate use; if not, if the State will acquire this building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10990/00]

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

I am aware that St. Alphonsus Chapel was recently placed for sale on the Irish market. Officials from my Department met representatives of the developer and were informed of the proposed advertisement. The stated aim of the developers is to find a buyer who will have a use for the building which will not adversely affect its architectural integrity. A similar offer for sale was made, without success, on the international market last year.

The Monastery Chapel of St. Alphonsus is a building of considerable architectural significance, having been designed by George Ashlin, the noted Victorian ecclesiastical architect, in 1872 for the enclosed Redemptorist order of nuns. It was rated as a list one building in the 1999 Dublin city development plan. As such, it automatically became a protected structure on 1 January of this year, under the provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1999.

The protection afforded under the new Act, covers both the interior and exterior of the building. Planning applications received by local authorities relating to any protected structure must be forwarded to my Department for observation.

The strength of protection provided by the Act will, I believe, safeguard the special qualities that have led to the inclusion of St. Alphonsus Chapel in the record of protected structures. The acquisition of the chapel by the State may not be necessary although the developers have undertaken to continue discussions with my officials about possible State involvement in the future management of the building. I will be meeting a delegation representative of local interests tomorrow.