The Green Party TD for Dublin South East, Mr John Gormley, has accused the Presbyterian Residential Trust (PRT) of being "less than enthusiastic" about finding a way to prevent the demolition of Sandymount Presbyterian church, which dates from 1858.
An Taisce also expressed dismay yesterday at the decision to demolish the building to make way for a £1.5 million development of sheltered housing for the elderly and a number of luxury apartments.
Planning permission for the development has been granted by Dublin Corporation.
Ms Valerin Yeaton, of An Taisce, said the proposed demolition was particularly disturbing as it appeared Dublin Corporation's permission was based, in part, on a submission made on behalf of the PRT which indicated the church was structurally unsound.
"A recent independent architect's report, commissioned by local residents, found this not to be the case," she said.
It was unfortunate the PRT had decided to act against the wishes of so many, including its Sandymount neighbours who regarded the demolition as "an act of vandalism against the area's heritage".
She urged the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, the Right Rev Dr John Lockington, to intervene immediately to halt the demolition.
A public meeting against the demolition was organised at a Dublin hotel last night which was followed by a candle-light vigil outside the church.
