The Government's failure to provide funds to refurbish Rathmines Town Hall in south Dublin is "an act of vandalism", according to a former lord mayor.
Cllr Mary Freehill said that the 19th century, listed building was rapidly deteriorating due to rainwater which has seeped through the roof. The building is leased by the State, under a long-term arrangement, to the City of Dublin VEC under the auspices of the Department of Education.
Cllr Freehill is calling on the council to take out a planning enforcement order against the VEC because of what she calls its "failure to protect Rathmines Town Hall".
The Labour Party councillor said: "The entire building is in dire need of complete refurbishment.
"Because of severe roof problems, it is deteriorating on a daily basis due to water ingress.
"Currently, two rooms are closed and cannot be used by the students. This is a listed building - one of the most important in Dublin 6The VEC has consistently requested the Minister for Education (Mr Dempsey) to provide the funds for a new roof.
"The failure of the Government to make funding available for this important building is an act of vandalism and the city council must use its power to save the building."
A spokeswoman for the Department of Education said that the town hall was in the department's current building programme. But she admitted that no refurbishment work would take place until at least 2004.
"However, we do hope to do some health and safety work this year to make sure the building can still be used," said the spokeswoman.