Elm Hill, County Limerick is a house dating from c.1790 when constructed for the Studdert family. Of six bays and two storeys over raised basement, when offered for sale in the aftermath of the Great Famine, the building was described as containing ‘a spacious and lofty parlour, drawing room and hall; nine capital bedrooms, large kitchen and servants’ hall, besides larder, dairy, closet and cellars of a superior description and in thorough repair.’ It seems to have remained in good condition until the beginning of the present century, after which Elm Hill was left standing empty. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, in a survey undertaken in September 2008 reported that while it had fallen into some disrepair, ‘this imposing house retains much of its former grandeur. A high level of technical and artistic skill is evidenced in its design, particularly in the tooled limestone doorcase, the carved timber door and the slate-hung elevations. Internally there are a number of interesting features, notably the slate fireplaces and plastered ceilings.’ Such was its significance that under the terms of the 2000 Planning Act, Elm Hill was designated as a protected structure, with the relevant safeguards such a designation is supposed to provide. However, in June 2021, following proposals from some of its elected representatives, Limerick City and Council removed the house from the list of protected structures, on the grounds that Elm Hill had become unstable and dangerous. It now appears the house is to be demolished and its stone sold off. Such a scenario was commonplace in Ireland during the 1950s and ’60s, but that it should still be occurring today is astonishing and provides evidence that the country’s architectural heritage is no more appreciated, or its future more secure, than was the case 70-plus years ago. Buildings neither rise nor fall without the engagement, or disengagement, of those responsible. If Elm Hill had become ‘unstable and dangerous’, this was because it was allowed to do so, even while designated as a supposedly protected structure. Where, in this instance, was the relevant protection? Under the terms of the 2000 Planning Act, the local authority could – and should – have intervened to ensure the house’s conservation. Instead, it permitted the building to fall into ruin, and then shamelessly removed it from the list of protected structures. As so often in Ireland, legislation exists but implementation does not. Another part of our history disappears – and we are all the poorer for it.
This is unbelievable and the Councillors who voted for this to be delisted. Nothing has changed.
Surely if a building is listed by a County Council for preservation, it should not be possible to remove the listing unless it has been proven that alleged special features of the building don’t exist.
In Ireland we are very good at talking the talk, but walking the walk is another matter. There’s no point in having legislation to protect structures if the funding and encouragement isn’t there to help.
As always it appears that no individuals are named and shamed as accountable. Would the minutes of the meeting where a vote was taken to delist this building be available? This could be a fruitless search. The owner too, as is often the case, remains anonymous or hidden behind the curtain of a development company which will ignore its legal obligations. Sadly there is not sufficient public interest in these buildings to effect a change of attitude. This excellent blog blows the whistle but it falls on deaf ears.
Limerick City and Council representatives have very good form in these matters (look at the city!) and disgrace themselves again…
Plus ça change…
Truly our heritage is at high risk…
So sad
This is a magnificent property that should not be lost to Irish history! Why not name the Limerick Council members? Call them out! They don’t keep their word. They don’t have principled tactics and should be held to a higher standard, at the expectation of their constituents. Raise your voice or take to social media.
This is truly shocking. As others have said, name and same the councillors and get the press on board.
Sadly I see the house was demolished today!
Ongoing tragedy.