A chara, – The recent spate of bank closures around the country was deplorable but there is one bank branch that should close permanently– the Bank of Ireland, College Green, Dublin.
This branch occupies one of Dublin’s finest buildings, the former home of the Irish parliament. It is past time that this building was given to the Irish people.
It was for long a symbol of the desire for Irish independence yet it remains a mere bank branch. It would make an excellent cultural centre with spaces for performance, exhibitions, talks and other activities while its portico and forecourt would be ideal for outdoor seating, especially with the traffic-free plans for College Green.
Given the ongoing removal of cultural spaces in our city to make way for yet more hotels, a Bank of Ireland decision to restore this building to the Irish people would be universally welcomed.
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We have Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park, why not Áras an Phobail on College Green?
– Is mise,
MÍCHEÁL MAC DONNCHA
Bharróg, BAC 5.