What protection do planning laws offer buildings of social and cultural importance against property development?
While buildings deemed to have a heritage value are better protected now than in the past, many important properties are still under threat. Property development often results in the destruction of old buildings to make way for new ones.
The Planning And Development Act 2000 aims to protect architectural heritage from the onslaught of economic progress. Local authorities are now obliged to draw up a list of protected buildings to form a national inventory.
It protects listed buildings inside and out and it allows buildings to be listed at any time.
While the act is a step in the right direction, many conservationists say it does not go far enough. Michael Smith from An Taisce believes that the local authorities have far too much discretion over the listing of buildings.
The Father Mathew Memorial Hall on Church Street in Dublin was built around 1900. The interior of the building is one of the best examples of Celtic Revival architecture in the city centre. During the 1916 Rising, the church served as the headquarters for the First Battalion of the Dublin Brigade Irish Volunteers. The building is not listed and has no special protection. Owners of the church, the Capuchin Friars, are planning to develop the building placing this part of Dublin's cultural heritage at risk.
James Howley, Howley & Harrington Architects, says that the government need to look at areas where cultural heritage is under threat. One example is that of Carton House in County Kildare which he says is as culturally significant to Ireland as the poetry of WB Yeats. There are plans to develop Carton House as a golf course and leisure complex.
Church property throughout Ireland is also at risk as religious orders continue to sell off land they no longer require.
It is expected to take 12 years to complete the national inventory of listed buildings.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 February 2000. The reporter is Annabel Egan.
