Evaluating the damage after a fire at the dining hall at Trinity College Dublin.
On the evening of 13 July, a fire broke out at the Dining Hall at Trinity College Dublin causing extensive damage. It is still not known how the fire started but experts believe that it was caused by an electrical fault.
It seems to have started above the ceiling on the top floor and the flames quickly spread to engulf the entire roof.
Trinity staff, students and members of the public managed to save several paintings and other valuables before they were engulfed in the flames. However, the dining hall itself was destroyed and the college now faces a massive restoration.
College Architect Alan Roberts outlines the challenges faced in restoring the building to its former glory. He is confident that by using modern construction techniques the building can be restored very closely to what it was before. The restoration is likely to take at least two years at a cost of several million pounds.
The dining hall was built in the early 18th century, and designed by architect Richard Cassels.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 14 July 1984. The reporter is Alan McCullough.
