Reviewing Buildings at Risk 2018

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. This loss is seen in the example of Vernon Mount in Cork, which saw several fires gut the building in 2016. And the list, unfortunately, is only growing longer. An Taisce have added the following buildings:

• Court House, Youghal
• Maryville, Portlaoise
• Ormonde Centre (County Infirmary), Kilkenny
• The Royal Shannon, Banagher
• Kilmacurragh House, Kilbride
• Durrow Abbey House, Tullamore
• Ballyrisode House, Toormore

There has been significant updates provided on the following:

• St Senans Hospital, Enniscorthy
• Barrow Viaduct, Greatisland
• Aldborough House, Dublin 1
• Belcamp Hall, Dublin 17
• Boole House. Cork
• Bolands Mill, Dublin 4
• Casino, Malahide
• Carstown House, Carstown
• Dun Laoghaire Baths, Dun Laoghaire
• Hazelwood House, Sligo
• Good Shepherd Convent, Cork
• La Touche Hotel, Greystones
• Vernon Mount, Douglas

An Taisce would like to thank our members and several individuals who identified and provided information on the buildings noted above. It may be the case that you know of a structure at risk before An Taisce is made aware of it. An Taisce requires the input of individuals and local communities to contribute information to keep the Register as up to date as possible. It is up to you to gather information on a structure at risk in your own community. The data collected is crucial in identifying, encouraging and proactively pursuing the restoration and re-use of individual structures at risk. The information also supports more strategic and area based initiatives where levels of risk are concentrated, where problems can be identified and flagged, priorities set and recommendations made for action. If you wish to let us know about a structure at risk, take a photograph and get in contact. If you wish to suggest a building at risk you are familiar with, please take the time to fill out the following form.

The Buildings at Risk Register is an unfunded project by An Taisce – the National Trust for Ireland supported and maintained by its voluntary members. The Buildings at Risk Register was put in place in response to a concern at the growing number of structures that are vacant and falling into a state of disrepair. The Register provides information on structures of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest throughout the country that are considered to be at risk.

This project is incredibly resource intensive. An Taisce would welcome any donations to ensure its continuity into the future given it is currently unfunded and being resourced to a large part by volunteers throughout the country.