Work has begun on the reconstruction of a 19th century archway in Dublin 's Temple Bar which was dismantled last week. Kennan's Arch, on Dublin's Fishamble Street, was built in the 1840s and stood in front of the site of a former music hall where Handel's Messiah was first performed in 1742. For the past two years the listed structure has been supported by steel braces while apartments were built around it.
Last week a crack was discovered in a supporting column and the Arch had to be dismantled under the supervision of an archaeologist. Most of the material was saved and work began today on reconstructing it on the original site. Dublin Corporation is to investigate the matter and Temple Bar Properties said that it regretted that the arch had to be dismantled and has launched its own inquiry. While the arch was protected by legislation, the company said it took every care to preserve it and ruled out any prospect of prosecution. It is intended that the Arch will be back in place before the annual performance of Handel's Messiah at the site next month.
