Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Daniel Céitinn has criticised DCC for accepting the illegal demolition of the historic 40 Herbert Park in exchange for a €3,000 donation “to the poorbox.”
Commenting on this morning’s Dublin District Court decision, Councillor Céitinn said that the Council’s approach to the demolition of the historic home of the 1916 leader The O’Rahilly was “a fiasco” and “entirely unsatisfactory.”
Picture credit: Daniel Céitinn
“This morning, Dublin City Council accepted an admission of guilt and a €3,000 donation to the poor box as payment for the illegal demolition of the historic 40 Herbert Park,” Councillor Céitinn said.
“This is a fiasco, and an entirely unsatisfactory outcome.
“This was a historic building, which Councillors had voted to list as a protected structure, and it was demolished before the City Council could complete its inspection of the property.
“It was also demolished without proper compliance, as admitted by the developer.
“The City Council did not pursue the reconstruction of the building or seek any finding in relation to potential obstruction for completing the listing of the building as a protected structure, despite this being the express wish of Councillors.
“The Council even failed to argue that it was a protected structure.
“This deal undermines our built heritage and the city’s fabric across Dublin.
“What message does it send to those who might demolish other parts of the city with no regard for heritage?
“This is particularly concerning in light of plans for Moore Street.”