The destruction of a number of historic buildings on the old Phoenix Park racecourse in Dublin was the result of a "stupid mistake", Fingal County Council has admitted, writes Paul Cullen.
On Wednesday afternoon, developers demolished the timber-framed former gate house and turnstiles of the racecourse, as well as part of a nearby Edwardian house in Castleknock, in contravention of an area plan that recommended the preservation of existing features.
However, the developer, Flynn and O'Flaherty, was within its rights, as a dangerous buildings notice had been issued and the buildings were not protected structures, according to Fingal County Council architect, Mr David O'Connor.
"It was a stupid mistake and shouldn't have happened," said Mr O'Connor, adding that Flynn and O'Flaherty had given a commitment to "reinstate" the buildings.
Neither Flynn and O'Flaherty nor their architects, O'Muire Smyth, could be reached for comment yesterday.
Ms Pat Allison of the Phoenix Park Preservation Society said she was appalled by the demolition.