Property

The initiative to specifically address the Visitor Experience of the Phoenix Park is welcome, however there are a number of areas of concern, in particular concerning the intrusive impact of modern pavilions on the Park’s historic central avenue, and concerning the overriding problem of private motor-traffic in the Park. In general the Strategic Review is too focused on architecture-led visitor centres and needs to instead place the sensitive historic designed landscape at the centre of the initiative. The Phoenix Park will be a success when it is virtually traffic-free, like all good parks, and facilitating an array of outdoor activities providing dynamic, sustainable and healthy infrastructure for the citizenry while safeguarding the fragility and pre-eminence of its natural landscape character

The Built Environment unit of An Taisce took time over the summer to review the very popular database for structures at risk, which was originally released in November 2014. In this we are tracking some 120 buildings and structures at risk which were considered significant nationally and regionally and required intervention to prevent further deterioration. While there has been progress in securing certain buildings particularly in the Dublin City area, the majority of buildings recorded remain at risk and are becoming increasingly lost.

A new National Planning Framework entitled, ‘Ireland 2040’, is currently being developed by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. This is intended to succeed the National Spatial Strategy. It will provide a framework for national planning, pulling together relevant Government policies and investment on national and regional development. The focus will be on economic development and investment in housing, water services, transport, communications, energy, health and education infrastructure.

Why are we mad about Mongan Bog? Here’s why!

Mongan bog has the reputation for being one of the oldest, best-preserved raised bogs in Western Europe, and home to an array of flora and fauna. It can be considered perhaps one of the most significant bogs, not just in Ireland but also Europe and globally.

What is a Development Plan?

An Taisce have today written to Fingal Council to take urgent action to protect the 18th century house at Belcamp.

This morning’s major fire occurred to the important 18th century house at Belcamp. The house formed part of Belcamp College School since the late 19th century. The building has been vacant since the closure of the school and acquisition by developer Gerry Gannon a decade ago.