Four terraced houses in the centre of Dublin indicate the inadequacies of central and local government when it comes to protecting Ireland’s architectural heritage. Aungier Street dates from the mid-17th century when developed by Francis Aungier, first Earl of Longford, who created what was then the city’s finest and – at 70 feet – widest thoroughfare, much of it lined with splendid mansions. Some of these survive behind later facades, and the four in question, Nos.22-25, include one built in the 18th century for Sir Anthony King, Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1778-79; he leased the property to the sculptor John van Nost who had a stoneyard here. These houses have been allowed to stand empty and falling ever further into dereliction for many years: a planning notice on one of them for conversion of the premises into an hotel is dated October 2018. It needs to be reiterated that ample legislation exists to ensure that such neglect of the historic fabric of this and any other urban centre does not exist; that the relevant authorities continue to ignore that legislation and allow such decay serves as a gross indictment of their competence.
Shameful.
King supplied the brass balusters for the main stairs at Castletown, County Kildare.
David J. Griffin.
Surely the Planning Authorities have the power to send a letter to the owners of the properties telling them to make good to the structure ( roofs, downpipes etc.) or to face Dublin City Council undertaking vital works and sending a bill to the building owner.
Absolutely. I hope this vacant site tax is coming in, and that it’s big!!
Yes they send a proforma strongly worded letter threatening fines of up to 12.5 million and then do nothing else
Oh that’s fascinating that Van Nost had a stoneyard there! My husband’s father the historian Leon O’Brion lived near there, on Aungier Street, when young.
In Ireland we have a great habit of making laws but not enforcing them
Clobber a few graffiti “artists” first, then financially clobber the owners.
Shameful neglect that should be tended to without further delay.