An Taisce wishes to commend Dublin City Council in moving to protect Aldborough House, the last Georgian mansion to be built in Dublin City.

Located beside the Five Lamps on Portland Row, the very fine cut stone mansion consists of 3 floors 7 bays wide above basement. It features a central break front pediment with a foyer in the Tuscan order and with a rusticated treatment of the stone work at ground floor level. It was designed by Richard Johnston, begun in 1792 and completed at great cost by 1803.

However in recent years the building has been let become derelict. Only a fortnight ago suspected arson almost claimed it - though fortunately thanks to the very rapid and good work by Dublin Fire Brigade, the fire was quickly extinguished.

Following discussions with the local community, it has become apparent that the security patrols that had been protecting the building have seemingly been removed.

Having brought this to the attention of Dublin City Council, An Taisce is heartened to have been informed by them that "in light of the change in onsite circumstances it is now proposed to initiate legal action under Planning & Development Legislation."

An Taisce understands that action will be taken against the Bank which effectively owns the building having had a charge on it since 2006.

An Taisce firmly supports the action now being taken by Dublin City Council, who appear to not want to see a repeat of the 2011 disastrous destruction by arson of Belcamp House in Fingal - which notably occurred after security was removed.

There are many things Aldborough House could be – A Childrens’ Museum, a Museum of Dublin, even a corporate headquarters. However one thing it should never let be is another burnt out ruin to be demolished.

Hence An Taisce would like to praise Dublin Fire Brigade, the local community, and Dublin City Council, for all moving in a civic-minded manner to save one of the city's key architectural treasures.

ENDS

For further information, please call:

Charles Stanley-Smith, An Taisce Communications – Tel: 087 2411995

Ian Lumley, Heritage Officer, An Taisce – Tel: 01 454 1786

Email: [email protected]

An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland