Sir, - Agreement appears to have been reached between Dublin Corporation and Sherborough Securities Ltd, to rebuild Archer's Garage (will Sherborough Securities go through the normal public process to seek planning permission and submit detailed drawings, etc.?) While the decision to rebuild is welcome, such "retribution" is not nearly forceful enough in dealing with this "blatant contravention of planning legislation" (the Corporation's own words).
Unless the developers are prosecuted and the most severe penalties imposed, there could be major implications for any or all listed buildings in the country. Dublin Corporation must be seen to be doing everything possible to protect our built heritage. Replication is a poor substitute for irreplaceable originals. - Yours, etc.,
Mary Bryan, B.Arch, MUBC, Conservation Officer, Irish Georgian Society, Merrion Square, Dublin 2.