Anger as listed structure on quays removed

The Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) has been called on to make public a list of any protected structures it intends to remove, following the demolition of a listed building at Sir John Rogerson's Quay.

The hailing station, on the corner of Sir John Rogerson's Quay and Britain Quay, was demolished by the DDDA as part of its redevelopment plans for the Grand Canal Dock area.

The station was built in 1907 and was used to direct ships as they docked along the quays.

It was also a gathering place where dockers could learn of ship arrivals and possible work.

It is included on the Dublin City Council register of protected structures but, under the Dublin Docklands Development Act 1997, plans for the docklands take precedence over conservation.

The hailing station was demolished by the DDDA with the permission of former minister for the environment Dick Roche.

Mr Roche issued a Section 25 certificate in January 2007, which granted permission for the demolition and ordered its conservation by record.

The certificate also carried a number of conditions requiring the salvage and reuse of materials within the new development scheme.

Damien Cassidy, spokesman for the Ringsend and Irishtown Environmental Group, said it is concerned about other protected structures in the area and unhappy that locals only heard about the demolition of the hailing station through rumour.

"We are calling for transparency," he said. "The public had no input into this decision and we do not know what decision the DDDA will take in the future about other protected structures."

A spokeswoman for the DDDA said the building was in a dilapidated state and was a health and safety risk.

"The demolition was undertaken as part of the proposed development of the campshire [strips of land between the road and the river] and following a full conservation assessment of the structure," she said.

She added that conservation consultants Christopher Southgate and Associates found the station was of no architectural significance but had historical and social significance.

"The expert consultants considered the building to be of local significance and recommended conservation by record," she said.

"Provision was made for a copy of the historic and existing drawings, photographic inventory and an architectural historic report to be submitted to the Irish Architectural Archive and Dublin City Archives prior to the commencement of development."

A spokesman for Dublin City Council said the removal of the hailing station was in keeping with DDDA's master plan for the area, which had been approved following public consultation.