Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
865. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if her Department has or will consider the purchase of the old Parliament from the Bank of Ireland for use as a civic and/or museum site given its importance to Irish history and the underutilised nature of the building in its current form, especially considering the proposed pedestrianisation of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37744/23]
View answerIt should be noted that the site of the Parliament House, currently Bank or Ireland, is listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH). The NIAH survey rates the building under the categories of special interest; architectural, artistic, historical and social. The Parliament House is included on the Record of Places and Monuments (RMP), and as such, is afforded legal protection by way of inclusion in the statutory RMP. The building is also a protected structure in the record of protected structures of Dublin City Council. It is in good repair and well cared for by its current owners.
The building has been a bank since after the Act of Union when it was adapted by prominent architect Francis Johnston for the Bank of Ireland. This long-standing and continuing use is an important aspect of its special interest. Part of the building, the former House of Lords is open to the public. The public also has free access to other significant parts of the interior of the building including the banking hall.
In respect of the acquisition of the property, heritage structures and monuments are acquired as resources and opportunities permit. Generally, this is in the interest of the protection, preservation, conservation and management of monuments or sites. In all cases, my Department examines any potential acquisition carefully, taking into account similar existing properties within the State portfolio, gaps in the State portfolio, any conservation/remedial works required, the short and long term cost of acquisition/maintenance to the Exchequer, and a willingness on behalf of the owner to engage with the State in terms of acquiring the property on a value for money basis.
