Sir, – As one who worked in Stephen Court in the late 1970s, I am sad to learn that it faces demolition. I agree with Frank McDonald that the design of the building was thoughtful (“Anglo Irish Bank’s old Dublin HQ is due for demolition. We shouldn’t let this award-winner disappear”, Culture, April 26th).
The building was designed around a courtyard with a fountain containing a tree of life sculpture. It was a pleasant working environment and, with windows open on a hot summers day, the sound of the fountain relieved the stress of getting bank reconciliations to balance. Large windows at the rear and side afforded a view over the dining room to the club next door and beyond to the Deparmentt of Industry building on Kildare Street. It was also very inviting to the ducks on St Stephen’s Green who often made their way across to the courtyard and car park. It is unfortunate that demolition is the only option being considered to achieve the required income for the Irish Life Property funds. It is also unfortunate that it is associated with Anglo Irish Bank ,which was only one of many tenants of the building through the years. – Yours, etc,
JOE FLEMING,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.