merrion street

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, today launched the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage survey of Dublin North City at the Hugh Lane Gallery, Parnell Square. The survey is available online on the website www.buildingsofireland.ie and is accompanied by an illustrated book An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of Dublin North City, the 33rd to be published in the series. The book is the first of four planned for the city.
Arising from the survey, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has recommended to Dublin City Council that 2,206 structures of architectural heritage significance be included in their Record of Protected Structures, an increase of 845 on their existing record. Minister Ó Ríordáin remarked ‘I hope that the results of the survey will reinforce pride in our built heritage and ensure that it will be cherished for this and future generations’.
The survey and book together are a portrait of that part of the city enclosed by the Liffey, the Royal Canal, Phoenix Park and Dublin Bay. Structures include everything from the Custom House, a neoclassical masterpiece of international significance, Busarus bus station as a fine example of contemporary architecture right down to the few surviving Victorian postboxes.
Minister Ó Ríordáin emphasised the important role of the survey as a tool for assisting Dublin City Council in the future protection of the built heritage of the city. He added ‘If historic buildings are to survive as our legacy to the future, they will have to be adapted to cater for the changing needs of their occupants. The challenge is to manage change without sacrificing the intrinsic character of the building’.
Councillor Ciaran Cuffe, representing the Lord Mayor, commented “This publication is a significant milestone in recognising the importance of the built heritage of Dublin City. It is a hugely valuable resource, and is particularly relevant on the eve of the centenary of the Easter Rising. In addition the Inventory will assist us in supporting the Living City Initiative to bring new life to older buildings in the city."