I proposed to take Questions Nos. 4, 11 and 97 together.
Temple Bar Properties Limited which comes under the aegis of the Minister for the Environment, is involved in the development of Dublin's cultural quarter in Temple Bar, including the adaptation of the former Church of St. Michael and St. John for use as a Viking museum. I understand that planning permission for the development has been granted by Dublin Corporation and upheld on appeal by An Board Pleanála.
I am aware of this development and of the concerns of An Taisce in relation to it. An Taisce claim that much of the interior of the former Church of St. Michael and St. John, deconsecrated in 1989, is to be destroyed and require that this building be re-opened as a multidenominational church to serve the community in the area. However, I am not aware of any organisation which is seeking to purchase and to reinstate the church for ecclesiastical purposes. At any rate I am informed that the developments for the interior of this building do not involve its destruction but are so designed as to be totally reversible at a later date if required.
While I am in the early stages of developing my architectural policy, I am impressed by the approach of the developers in this instance, in particular their concept of a museum inserted within the restored fabric of the existing buildings. It may well be that in many cases the future preservation of such old buildings. will best be served by adopting them to new uses, but in a manner which leaves the process reversible if required in the future.