A landmark piece of Dublin’s coastal history could slip into private hands unless the State intervenes, a local TD has warned.
Fine Gael Dublin Bay South TD James Geoghegan has called on the Office of Public Works to acquire the Martello Tower in Sandymount after it was placed on the market last week with an asking price of €1.5 million.
Deputy Geoghegan (pictured above) said: “I have written to the Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works requesting that he consider purchasing this landmark and bringing it into public use as a cultural or heritage space”.
“The tower went to market last week for €1.5 million. There is precedent for the State buying these historic buildings and bringing them into public use.”
Up to 50 Martello Towers were built around Ireland’s coastline by the British in the early 19th century amid fears of an invasion by Napoleon’s France.
The Sandymount tower was built in 1804 along with 28 others dotted around Dublin Bay, forming part of a defensive network that has become a defining feature of the coastline and a lasting symbol of that period.
Deputy Geoghegan highlighted the findings of a 2008 study commissioned by Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, which documented the significance of Dublin Bay’s Martello Towers and their importance as a collection of historic structures.
“The study noted that Dublin Bay’s Martello Towers are the most complete collection in the world. While some have fallen into ruin, many have been adapted successfully for public use,” he said.
“While there are cases of these towers coming into private ownership, this tends to require significant alterations to the character of the building”.
Examples include the James Joyce Tower and Museum in Sandycove, the Irish Genealogical Society archive at Seapoint, and the communications heritage centre at Howth, demonstrating how these buildings can be preserved and repurposed while remaining accessible to the public.
Deputy Geoghegan said he believes it would be a real loss for Sandymount and for the heritage of the Dublin Bay area if this tower were to be altered beyond recognition, particularly given its historical importance and prominent coastal location.
“This is a rare chance to preserve an iconic landmark for future generations. I am asking the Minister to act quickly and ensure this important part of our coastal heritage remains in public hands.”
The call comes as the tower’s future remains uncertain following its entry to the market, with concerns that a sale to a private buyer could lead to changes that impact its character.
The issue has also drawn attention to the wider question of how historic structures are protected and used.
For Deputy Geoghegan, the situation represents an opportunity for the State to act decisively and ensure the preservation of a landmark that forms part of Dublin Bay’s unique heritage, rather than allowing it to pass into private ownership.