John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Andrews for affording us an opportunity to discuss the Poolbeg stacks which are significant features in the landscape not just in the city, but right across Dublin. The Poolbeg stacks were constructed at different times; the first chimney was erected in 1971 and the second in 1978. Following the construction of the second stack, the pair came to be regarded as a significant feature in the landscape, painted by artists and used as a reference point by citizens and visitors alike. The commanding presence that the pair of stacks acquired is primarily social.

Statutory protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Under the provisions of the Act, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures, or parts of structures which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to include in its development plan a record of protected structures for its functional area. This may be done at the time of the preparation of the development plan or, where appropriate, at any other time.

Section 53(1) of the 2000 Act enables the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to make recommendations to a planning authority concerning the inclusion of specific structures in its record of protected structures. A planning authority must have regard to any such recommendations. Ministerial recommendations are generally based on national inventory of architectural heritage, NIAH, surveys undertaken by the Department and such a survey has yet to be undertaken for Dublin. The making of an addition to, or deletion from, a record of protected structures is a reserved function of the planning authorities.

I understand Dublin City Council issued a report recommending that these twin structures should not be added to the record of protected structures. The reason stated is that while the Poolbeg stacks are considered to be of a certain level of architectural, social and historical significance, they are not considered to be of sufficient value within the meaning of Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and should not, therefore, be added to the record of protected structures.

I understand the Poolbeg stacks have a limited design life. Engineering structures are typically designed for a 60-year life. Concrete absorbs carbon dioxide from the moment it is poured and, ultimately, combined with pollutants and chlorine from the sea salt, there is degradation and fragmentation. While some older similar stacks survive in other countries, these are generally far from the sea and not subject to the same chloride attack that has clearly taken its toll on the Poolbeg stacks.

I understand the ESB is scheduled to decommission the stacks in 2010 but no decision has been taken as to their future use. Ultimately, it is a matter for Dublin City Council to decide whether the stacks should be added to the record of protected structures.

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