Sir, - Walking through Temple Bar, one is struck both by the continuing demolition of old buildings and by the neglect of others. The conservation practices of Temple Bar Properties were demonstrated by the destruction in 1993 of Georgian houses on Essex Quay, and by the subsequent gutting of the unique interior of SS Michael's and John's Church.
Ugly new buildings are now being completed on the Essex Quay site, and there is no apparent sign of the remnants of Isolde's Tower, the discovery of which was apparently employed as a PR device. One suspects the existence of an understanding between archaeologists and architects in such matters, and excavations should not be used as an excuse for any further demolitions of restorable old buildings.
Many would agree that the Sunlight Chambers is one of Temple Bar's most charming buildings: could not TBP and the owners be nudged into using some of the soap, whose history the freeze depicts, to have grime removed from the building and a repainting job carried out? The same is true of many of the other surviving old buildings in the area.
I have also "suggested that the historic old street name "Smock Alley" should be restored to Essex Street West, with the site of the famous theatre prominently marked, and that Exchange Street Lower should have the old name "Blind Quay" restored to it. Finally, the writer renews his proposal for the construction of a replica of Dublin's last Tudor cagework house on a vacant (repeat vacant) site in Temple Bar's western section, which project might secure sponsorship from the country's expanding timber industry. As well as being a showcase, it would undoubtedly become a major visitor attraction. - Yours, etc.
Windgates, Bray, Co Wicklow.