Purchase of historic building ruled out

THE Government has ruled out purchasing an historic building on the Northside that was once used by former war veterans.

In the early 1920s, Legion Hall was built in Killester as part of a 247-bungalow development for families of men who volunteered and fought in World War 1.

The property, which is privately owned, has come to the market with an asking price of e50,000. Permission has been granted for refurbishment of the existing hall and construction of an additional créche space in an adjoining single storey building.

Members of the Killester War Memorial Campaign (WW1) group and Clontarf ward councillor Jane Horgan-Jones (Lab) have urged the Government to purchase Legion Hall so that it can be used as a community facility.

When the site came to the market, Cllr Horgan-Jones wrote to Minister for Heritage, Arts and Gealtacht, Jimmy Deenihan, asking his department to place a bid on behalf of the State and bring the building into public ownership.

“The Killester Legion Hall is of huge historical importance to the local community and more widely,

? Cllr Horgan-Jones told Northside People.

“It is believed to be one of the last remaining British Legion Halls in the Republic of Ireland.

“In recent years it has become run down and dilapidated, sadly becoming an eyesore and undermining its historical significance.

“The site has also been the subject of numerous planning applications which I have strenuously opposed along with local residents.

“An Bord Pleanála granted permission in 2011 for the site to be developed as a crèche.

?

Cllr Horgan-Jones believes this would

“destroy

? the site’s historic and cultural significance forever.

“It would be a fitting tribute in the Centenary Anniversary of the commencement of the Great War if the State were to purchase this building on behalf of the Irish people and restore it as an amenity that could be used by the whole community,

? she added.

“I will continue to raise this matter with the Minister until I get a satisfactory response.

?

A spokesman for the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht said it does not have the resources available to consider purchasing this building.

“Currently, significant taxpayer investment has been set aside for a number of Decade of Centenaries capital projects including at the GPO, the Military Archives and other projects such as Teach an Phiarsaigh,

? he told Northside People.

“Separately, Minister Deenihan has announced a e5 million investment in heritage buildings for 2014.

“This funding is ring-fenced for repair and renovation works, and could not be used for the purchase of additional heritage buildings by the State.

?

The spokesman added:

“The Department understands that An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission on this building (Legion Hall) in 2011 which is still valid for a change of use which provides for the retention of the hall and the erection of a plaque commemorating its status as a local link to the heritage of World War I service.

?

A spokesman for Dublin City Council confirmed to Northside People that planning permission has been granted for a creche at this site.

He added that an arrangement has been made with the current owner that, on commencement of development, a portion of the site (341 square metres), adjoining the public open space, would formally come under the council’s ownership and management.

Meanwhile, the Killester War Memorial Campaign (WW1) group have set up a petition seeking support for Legion Hall to be preserved as a

“unique

? historic hall.

Kevin Madden, a member of the group, said it was important to preserve historic buildings within local communities that have a unique link to our World War 1 heritage.