Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 538: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that number 16 Moore Street is protected from further deterioration pending the development of the O'Connell Street project; the reason for the failure to make progress on the development for the past seven years; the terms of the compulsory purchase order agreement entered into between the City Council and a property developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17930/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer to the reply to Question No. 211 of 14 February 2006.

Statutory protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities to whom my Department provides advice in the exercise of their functions in that regard under the Planning and Development Act 2000. The development of the O'Connell Street project and the terms of any compulsory purchase order are also matters for Dublin City Council. On 25 August 2005, I recommended to the Council in accordance with Section 53 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, that No. 16 Moore Street should be added to their Record of Protected Structures (RPS) because of its historical and architectural interest. On 5 December 2005 Dublin City Councillors unanimously decided to place No. 16 Moore Street, together with Nos. 14, 15 and 17, on the RPS. I have been informed by the Council that the statutory notice period of their intention must be re-advertised and this now runs from 11 May to 12 June 2006.

I am satisfied that the use of the Planning Acts, together with the City Council acting vigilantly and proactively to ensure the status of the building following its formal proposal for its inclusion on the RPS, will be sufficient to ensure its protection. In this regard, I note that the Council made arrangements for the owners to carry out essential repairs to the roof of the premises to ensure that the fabric of the structure is protected while appropriate decisions were taken.