Social Democrats politicians have renewed their calls for the James Weir Building on Cork Street to remain in public ownership.
Dublin South Central TD Jen Cummins and South-West Inner City councillor Lesley Byrne have said that the building should be brought back into use for the benefit of the local community.
Byrne, who recently toured the building, said that the building was not in as poor a condition as had previously been suggested and had the potential to become a “phenomenal” community asset.
Cummins said, “the James Weir building is a beautiful and iconic landmark on Cork Street, right in the heart of the Liberties. It is a building with enormous potential, and we cannot allow that potential to be lost.”
“Following this visit, it is clear that there is a real opportunity to breathe new life into this building.”
The Soc Dems TD said “it is vitally important that this building is used appropriately and, above all, that it remains in public ownership. We need to be looking at how existing public buildings can be put to good use, particularly in communities where there is such a demand for additional facilities, services and spaces.
Byrne said, “the Liberties is a vibrant and historic community, but like so many parts of Dublin, it is crying out for more accessible community spaces. We have an opportunity here to protect an important local landmark while ensuring it serves the people who live around it.”
The South-West Inner City councillor said, “we will continue to fight to ensure that the James Weir building remains in public ownership, stays in the community and is given a new lease of life for generations to come.
“This building in the Liberties must reflect the needs of the people who call this community home”, Byrne said.
The James Weir Home dates back to 1903, with the aim of providing accommodation for up to 50 nurses working in the nearby Cork Street Fever Hospital.
It then became part of St Brendan’s Hospital mental health services, as well as a burial ground for Quakers.
Cummins and Byrne join local Fianna Fáil TD Catherine Ardagh and Sinn Féin councillor Ciarán Ó Meachair in calling on the building to remain in public ownership.