Comments from Jan 20 2001
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Protect Kilmainham Jail
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Comments from Jan 20 2001 |
Protect Kilmainham Jail |
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CommentsIt could be said that the independent nation of Ireland was born in Kilmainham Gaol. To dominate it with a mere office block is completely innapropriate.
CommentsAs a film producer for Discovery Channel, I featured Kilmainham Gaol in our series "Invisible Places" which has been seen by over 30 million people and is still aired worldwide. Fortunately I did not have to then and should I film at Kilmainham in the future I hope I will not have to include these oversized, out of perspective, dreadfully lumpy and monumental office blocks in any exterior shot of the Gaol. In my opinion these buildings as drawn, ruin the experience that is Kilmainham. Liam O'Brien Los Angeles, California.
CommentsAs an Irish-American from Boston, MA in the USA I must add my two cents: For what it's worth, in this (American)historic city of Boston we've experienced more man-made change than any other city in the world. However, it is still the remnants of our distant past that draw people from all over the world to experience the combination of modern America intermingled with the birthplace of our American independence. Although we recognize the value of the bygone eras now, in the recent past (the 60's urban renewal) we demolished much of the 'Old World' charm which was so rare in American cities. Having only visited the southern and western counties of my ancestors, I am anxious to visit the birthplace of the Irish nation. Remember, the era of the 'Celtic Tiger' is more than likely temporary, but your history is forever . . . unless you yourselves lose touch with it. Seasfaidh sibh go deo . . .
CommentsFrom an Irishman in Australia Ireland is turning it's back on it's history in more ways thans one! we are selling our history, tradition, culture and values for fast dollars and 'progressive development'(?) - LETS KEEP SOCIETY AS A SOCIETY AND NOT AN ECONOMY! Some things are sacred and those that ignore it are ignorant to history.
CommentsSile de Velera- listen to the voice of your Grand-father Eamon, NO MACRO BLOCKS. Dublin Corporation listen to the voices on this web site and the people in the pubs,shops and churches of Inchicore and Kilmainham. The bottom line here rests with the Irish goverment they spent millions buying the soggy fields of the BATTLE OF THE BOYNE and also THE GUINNESS MANSION IN THR PARK where no tourists will ever go. This site must be bought by the billions in the Celtic Tiger goverment finances. A thoughtfull and well planned architectural scheme of appropriate facilities must be built here. Also the magnificient view that we the residents of Bulfin Estate, Inchicore have enjoyed from Bulfin Road at the top of Luby Hill - this view of the back of Kilmainham Gaol and the Wellington Monument in the Pheonix Park beyond will be ruined by the appearance of 3 stories of these MACRO BLOCKS rising above Kilmainham Gaol-as the BANNER HEADING AT THE START SAYS STOP THIS MADNESS. How can Johnny Ronan (TIPPERARY) and Richard Barret(MAYO) of Treasury Holdings live with themselves as Irishmen planning the pillage and rape of this most unique and historic site. The people of Tipperary and Mayo should rise in rebellion against these "planners" nad let them go and live in the Dome in London and leave us alone- Ken Livingstone the Mayor of London has already fired some shots across their bows. They are planning for Kilmainham and right opposite Kilmainham Gaol a development that would not look right on the Moon.
Commentsand to add.....
"...O where o where is James Connolly, O where o where is that gallant man" ???? "O bad luck to you Treasury Holdings you cruel hearted monster, what you plan here would shame all the Devils in Hell" It's time for great crowds to gather again outside of Kilmainham.
CommentsAttn:Planning Department of Dublin Corporation Re:Planning Reference - 2467/00 January 20, 2001 Dear Planning Department, It saddens me to think that such a large building project is proposed for the street across from Kilmainham Jail. This past September I visited this most holy of grounds in Ireland. This complex will overshadow the importance of Kilmainham Jail, please reconcidered your decision and do not approve this project. While I understand some form of developement is necessary in the area, please find a project that will compliment the Kilmainham Jail complex. I'm sure an architect can design something that would be suitable and fit in more appropriately with Kilmainham Jail. The proposed building site is not an ordinary site and special care needs to be given to the vision for the area to maintain the integrity of the historical significance to not only all of Ireland, but to people of Irish descent all over the globe. My four grandparents were from Ireland and Kilmainham Jail holds a special spot in my heart. I have one album for the photographs taken in Kilmainham Jail as well as photographs of St. Catherine's Church on Thomas Street. Visiting Kilmainham Jail for me was almost an equivalent to a holy pilgrimage and I beseech you to please find a more downsized and fitting project which will be opposite this very historical location. Go raibh maith agat, Margaret Kristich Watsonville, California U.S.A. conaught@ix.netcom.com
CommentsIt would be a shame to put up office blocks that are higher than the jail which is the local attraction for tourists. It's history is important to your country and the area should be enhanced in keeping with the architecture and in serving the tourist thus making more money for your economy and ensuring more people worldwide come to know the history of Kilmainham and therefore the history of Ireland. Montreal Canada where too many old buildings are torn down or eclipsed by new ones!
CommentsFind it hard to believe such a huge development is even being considered by Dublin Corporation
CommentsPlease do take this area into consideration and redesign the office complex so as to protect this special site. On several of my trips to Dublin over the past few years, the Kilmainham Gaol has been on my list of places to visit. Thank you...Wayne Conley DDS
CommentsThe growth and development I have witnessed in the Republic of Ireland since 1984 have given me a great deal of pleasure and justified my pride in my Irish heritage. The preservation of the sites and artifacts that define Irish culture and history have to date been carefully and honestly dealt with. I have recently been concerned what the continuing prosperity may do to Ireland's national personality. I am certain there are ways to continue modern growth without damaging or even minimizing landmarks and memorials that remind everyone where these people come from and stand as a demonstration of where they are going.
Commentsmy ggfather was imprisoned in kilmainham prior to transportation to australia for life for theft of a cow. How inappropriate this generation views that kind of sentence and wonder how reasonable people could allow it to happen. How will future generations view us we allow the celtic tiger to consume our heritage. The call centres will alll soon begone to some low cost country and all we will have left is our heritage or will we??
CommentsWhat's lost is gone forever! Preserve the integrity of Kilmainham!
CommentsAs the son of a Cork man who was born and raised in Boston, Ma USA, I vehemently oppose the development proposed for the land across from the Kilmanham Jail. This would never be allowed to happen in Boston. With the robust economy in Ireland, now would be the time for the Government to buy the land in question, tear it dowm, and make a National Park out of it. If you do not respect your own history, how do you expect others to respect it. My father would roll over in his grave if he thought something like this could happen in his "beloved Ireland". John T. Kiely Boston, Ma
Commentsmy great grandfather was held prisoner in this jail. He WAS a Catholic. I object to these office buildings overpowering its historic significance. Please learn from this American experience and do not destroy your heritage with these modern buildings I am planning a visit to Ireland in April and this jail is one of the sites that I plan to visit.
CommentsI WOULD APPEAL TO YOU TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF KILMAINHAM GAOL.A SHRINE TO THE IRISH REPUBLICANS WHO WERE MARTYRED FOR IRELAND.THE CITY OF DUBLIN SHOULD BUY THIS LAND AND DEVELOP IT WITH KILMAINHAM IN MIND......AND INSIDE THAT PRISON CAME THE CRY NO SURRENDER WAS THE VOICE OF JAMES CONNOLLY THE IRISH REBEL.
CommentsAs an Irish American (My grandparents are from County Meath) I strongly oppose the building of the office building in such proximity to the Kilmainham Jail. That historic structure is a symbol of what has brought the great country of Ireland to where it is today. I am certain that with Ireland's new emerging economy (thank God) office space is at a premium and badly needed. It is just not needed where it is proposed. Build the building, but find a more suitable location and one which does detract from the importance of the jail and all its historic significance. Thomas Sheridan 21432 Bramble Way Santa Clarita, California 91350 Los Angeles County U.S.A.
CommentsPlease maintain the Kilmainham Jail and surrounding area for YOUR children and generations to come! Surely there must be a way to accommodate the tourist and resident that will preserve this area as it is one of Ireland's greatest treasure! Listen to the people! Bridget in Florida
CommentsA visit to the jail is a very harowing experience and I. fo one, would have appreciated somewhere to stop a little while, have coffee and reflect on the experience. Instead, I had to catch a bus back into the centre of town. A place so important to your cultural heritage and its environs, must be protected from urban highrise and bureaucratic development. Regrads Joan Murphy (visitor in 1997)
CommentsPlease use some common sense and compassion for the need to protect historical sites such as Kilmainham Jail. Surely there must be a creative solution to this situation. Slainte! KHannigan, Dover, NH, USA
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CommentsI visited Kilmainham Jail on one of my visits to Ireland. It was of the most moving events of my many trips to Ireland. I would thing that you would be most vehemently opposed to any development that would diminish the jail and its surrounds. Some of Ireland's most ardent patriots and defenders were imprisoned and executed there. If there has to be development it should be in keeping with the area's buildings. Why not purchase the land and develop it in a responsible manner. This important area is in your care, be very careful how you treat it. Remember the "blood sacrifice" of some of those who were imprisoned there. Pearse, Connolly, Plunkett don't these names resonate to you????
CommentsTo whom it may concern: It is very important not to let the progress and possibly greed of others to get in the way of preserving history. In Ireland you have many ancient sites that are suffering, the burren for one. Here you have an oppotunity to contract with the builders to work out a way to preserve the area around this important building so that it does not disappear among the hugh modern buildings. These buildings will never have the place in Irish history that this one building holds. Once the view is gone, it will never again be available. I have seen buildings in New York and Boston that have basically started their buildings on the second level, leaving the first open to preserve an old, historical building.
CommentsThis development proposal disgusts me. I have been living out away from Ireland for years now, not a very long time, long enough however to see the change in the Irish people. Ten years ago, this would never even been considered, the Irish as a race are changing, new found wealth has changed values held by the Irish. The economy may be booming at the moment, but will it last? & if it we may be campaiging for many more important buildings. If it doesn't, what will become of an empty office block, being sold for a pitance? C O'Donnell, Gibraltar, orginally Cork City.
Commentsthis cannot be allowed office blocks should be built in industrail parks not on historic ground
Commentsthis cannot be allowed office blocks should be built in industrail parks not on historic ground
Commentsthis cannot be allowed office blocks should be built in industrail parks not on historic ground
CommentsAs a resident of the Inchicore/Kilmainham area I am registering my disapproval of the revised Charmside Development Plan. The changes in this revised plan are merely cosmetic are should not be tolerated and those associated with this development should be treated with contempt.
CommentsKilmainham Jail is an historically important site and should be preserved without being overshadowed by large buildings. As a genealogist, I know the importance of the past links with the importance of the present, but we should endeavor not to bury our ancient past beneath the novelty of the present. Thank you, Susan (McDonald) Gainoutdinov
Commentshistorical places should be Well Preserved They are irreplaceable. Please Do NOT destroy Historical buildings.
CommentsAs an American who is proud of his Irish acestry, I find it most disturbing that such a project would be allowed to dramatically alter the area around what I consider a most sigificant place in Irelnad's long struggle towards independence from tyrannical English oppression. If it were not for the executions, would the Anglo-Irish war have ever fought? I was fortunate enough to visit Kilmainham on my first visit to Ireland in 1998. The gaol was one of the sites I felt I had to visit, not only for the the significance it played in the 1916 rising, but also for all the forgotten men, women, and children who were imprisioned for crimes of survival - such stealng a loaf of bread when hungry, or stealing a ham to feed a starving family. It was the realization that untold thousands suffered such a fate that drove home the magnitude of how widespread poverty and oppression was, which stirred the souls of those Irish patriots which were summarily exected within the gaol's confines. The area surrounding Kilaminham must not be allowed to succumb to exploitation by modern day development. Instead it must be preserved to allow future generations of Irish-Americans, who are proud of their heritage, and Irish citizens, who should always remember the souls who passed through the goal's walls, to have the opportunity to witness Kilmainham and it's environs in a condition as near to the early 1900's as possible. Dean Paulson Texas, USA
CommentsAnything B Ahern is for can not be good for Dublin.
CommentsI have visited Kilmainham Gaol four times over the last 12 years, twice to gather information for a novel set during Ireland's War of Independence, and a further time to write an in depth feature for my travel website IRELAND FOR VISITORS. I think it is a misuse of land to develop the property across from this national monument with a high-rise office complex and parking garage. Surely the property could better be used to benefit the huge number of visitors to the gaol and nearby art museum by providing visitor-related resources.
CommentsI am originally from Kerry, now living in San Francisco and can't believe that Dublin is about to do this for a second time. Aren't the Wood Quay offices enough of a lesson?? Why destroy Kilmainham Gaol as you did Christchurch? Please think about this one first and maintain our National Monuments.
CommentsI am originally from Kerry, now living in San Francisco and can't believe that Dublin is about to do this for a second time. Aren't the Wood Quay offices enough of a lesson?? Why destroy Kilmainham Gaol as you did Christchurch? Please think about this one first! Celine Kennelly, San Francisco
CommentsPlease reconsider the plans to build large office buildings opposite Kilmainham Jail. The Jail is a very important Irish building and should in no way be diminished by "progress." A development more in line with the Jail and that would generate tourist money would be more compatible. Maureen Coleman San Diego, California U.S.A.
CommentsWhat an amazingly dreadful idea. Putting huge buildings around a crucial landmark. You would think that even investment builders would have a moderate amount of respect for history and its impact on an entire culture. I hope the protectors of such history will keep myself and others apprised of what we can do to prevent the buildings from being erected. Maggie Drennon
Commentssuch a development should not be built in kilmainham as part of the younger generation view ITS STINKS
CommentsI am living in Puerto Rico and the nicest part of this island has got to be the Rain Forest 'El Yunque' when you reach the top you can climb a small outpost and look over the complete rain forest and there's nothing better than the feel of the mist as it roles up the hills it's strength and beauty lies in how it transforms you to another place and you really lap up the energy it provides if you turn your back and look the other way you see only the sprawling metro area below which is eating ever closer to Puerto Rico's prize possession. The developing company does not care about Ireland's history just money and profit, Puerto Rico is much smaller just 35* 170 miles and it is cramped here with a population of over 4 million as of now the Rain Forest is protected by law, surely there is enough green fields in Ireland where this developing company can build there concrete mass and not in front of something as Scenic and Historic as Kilmainham grounds. With 1,333 visitors a month surely there is something to be profited from this and not completely lost.
CommentsKilmainham Jail holds the soul of Ireland within its walls. It is always difficult, in times of prosperity, to hold back long dreamed of infrastructure improvements. But too much of what makes Ireland Ireland has already been overtaken by the roar of the Celtic Tiger. We must preserve the most important symbols of ireland's freedom. My Mother and Father, may they rest in peace, were Irish. I and my children have Irish passports. Every time I have been in Dublin, I have brought my American friends to Kilmainham. My son took his wife to Kilmainham on her first visit to Ireland. Do not let this wonderful and sacred place be surrounded by high rise commercial developments - keep Kilmainham and ireland free!
CommentsKilmainham Jail has appeared in several films and as the booming economy of Irish eats away at more historic places, there will be probably be fewer films shot in Ireland. That is bad for Ardmore Studios in Bray and bad for the country at large. Please don't mess up this area with a boring highrise. These are in every city, but historic sites cannot be replaced.
CommentsThese blocks cannot and must not be allowed to loom over Kilmainham Gaol, Royal Hospital,Richmond Tower,Bully's Acre,Great War Memorial Park,Old Courthouse-what a collection of magnificient historical stone icons this district has and the historical jewel of the Gaol itself. And the residents in their unique Victorian residences must be spared from these alien architectural "creatures" only coming to this district to rape this magnificient site. proper planning required here and now.
CommentsToo many historic sites have been destroyed in the name of progress. Learn from American mistakes.
CommentsFrom the Irish Association in South Africa May we add our concern to these proposals and support to your campaign. Andre de Villiers Irish Association in South Africa diary@ireland.co.za
CommentsDear John Please feel free to add a posting to our site - select Posting from the Index. Best of luck with your campaign Conor Irish London
CommentsI live in New York. Because of the role my greatgrandfather played in the Easyter Uprising, and the fact that some of his closest friends and comrades were executed at Kilmainhaim Jail, I made it one if my first stops when I visited Ireland. My children leanred more from teh tour there than they did from any museums or books they've read on the subject of Irish history. It made an indelible impression on them - they still speak of it. It helps them realte tot the sufferings of many people world wide who are imprisoned for the political beliefs and aspirations. This site should be developed in a way that would encourage people - both Irish and tourists - to visit it. Please reconsider giving permission for developments in the area that would do more to discourage visitors than to encourage them.
CommentsFAO of John Callery. Hello! Jonathan @ Morning Ireland here. I got a message that you rang, and want to make contact. However, the mobile number I have for you is incorrect. Could you possibly call the office again with your mobile number? If I am not around, you can ask whoever asnwers the phone to e-mail the number. I look forward to hearing from you.
CommentsSOME PERTINENT REMINDERS FOR THE DUBLIN PLANNING AUTHORITY-DUBLIN CORPORATION. A) Read your own Integrated Area Plan (IAP) that was launched over mature cheese and fine wines in the East Wing of Kilmainham Gaol!!!! on the 2nd of November 1999. It's "VISION STATEMENT" read as follows " TO BRING ABOUT APPRORIATE RENEWAL TO INCHICORE / KILMAINHAM -TO DEVELOPE GREEN SPACES AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE DISTRICTS UNIQUE HISTORY AND HERITAGE BY EHANCING AND DEVELOPING AROUND BUILDINGS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE" just repeat these fine words back to yourselves. The aims of the IAP sound very hollow today. The IAP lies shattered and torn on the floor of John Mc Curdy's East Wing of Kilmainham Gaol - what an irony. That evening we stood like fools in Kilmainham Gaol and listened to all the Corporation officials fine speeches and promises and meanwhile just across the road from the Gaol plans were well under way for the Macro Blocks. To quote from the fairy-tail Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)as prepared by Frank Benson and Partners -the planning agents for Johnny Ronan and Richard Barret of "Charmside Developments" this development stemms from detailed discussions with the senior planners and architects of Dublin Corporation" What an indictment on our PUBLIC SERVENTS !! You have no clothes on, you are exposed. B)Over 2000 written objections were lodged with Dublin Corporation last September - these objections are still valid as this development is still the same insane development we all objected to only some weeks ago - just add all the international objections to the local objections. C)This great plan of renewal has great parallels with the O' Flagherty Case - it was wrong yesterday, its wrong today and it will be wrong tomorrow - it will never be right i.e.the building of high-rise, retro-fit speculative office blocks to dwarf all the great historical stone icons that stand in the vincinity of the Gaol and above all the Old Gaol itself. D) All the IAP is bringing to our district is planned office blocks and also high rise apartment blocks ( 7 floors granted permission this very week on Emmet Road ) in an area of 2 floor Victorian dwellings. E) There is only one site where you can even pretend to implement the great vision of your IAP for Kilmainham and that is opposite Kilmainham Gaol. Sit back bin this insane proposal for our district and tourists and START ALL OVER AGAIN before public opinion tears you to shreads !!!
CommentsI am one of the 160,000 people who visited Kilmainham Jail in 1999. It was my life long dream to visit Ireland and first on my list of things to see was Kilmainham and its environs. As an American of Irish Ancestry, I have always thought that Kilmainham symbolized the Irish National Spirit. Please protect that spirit. Certainly, we here in the US would not allow commercial development to overshadow the Washington Monument. Isn't that big glass building on the south side of the Liffy bad enough? Heritage should not suffer for commerce sake.
Comments. My comments are directed at the Irish Heritage Councel.Why allow this "pile" to go ahead without a fight You are the protectors of our heritage so dont stand idly by .I come from Mayo and not so long ago an aplication for planning for a house was turned down by An Board Pleanala because it was close to Hawthorn Lodge an ancestral home of the Omalley Clan .Tow reasons were given 1" The proposed development would constitute an obtrusive feature on the landscape and would therefore be contrary to proper planning and development of the aera .2 " Having regard to the locationof the proposed house in close proximity to Hawthren Lodge which is abuilding of historic and architectural significance it is considered that the proposed development would detract from the character of the building and its setting and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and develoment of the area . If this development goes ahead iwould hate to have to tell my grandchildren it was a De Valera that was in charge of our heritage at the time.
CommentsMy name is Richard Cruise. I live in San Diego California USA. Since my visit to Ireland last May I know the importance of remembering the struggle for freedom that the Irish have experienced. The shear existence of the Kilmainham Jail reflects onto all of Ireland the Irish spirit will never be broken. Any deminishing of this magnitude is would be a deservice to all of mankind. For its our spirit than makes us all unique and great. Unfortunely, all to many spirits are lost in today's world. I also respect the need for development. Perhaps a different site would be more appropriate. Best Wishes.
CommentsBoth sides of my family, my mother's Brennan and Boyle from Monaghan, and my father's Conway from Tyrone were active in the 1916 Troubles, and some of them spent some time at Kilmainham-this is a part of our living history, still unresolved. Preserve this for the generations to come.
CommentsA new message, "Re: Kilmainham Gaol.," was posted on the IANET Discussion Forum <http://www.pacificnet.net/~ianet/forum/index.cgi> by Arthur on Friday, 26 January 2001, at 2:02 p.m. It is a response to your post, "Kilmainham Gaol.," of Thursday, 25 January 2001, at 5:08 a.m. The message reads as follows: ------------------------- John: This is a great service that you have done in bringing the Kilmainham Gaol item before people to see what destruction is potentially going to happen in Dublin. Thanks for your contribution. I sure hope others will email the appropriate individuals in Irish Government. I've done it already. Cheers, Arthur ------------------------- This is an automatically-generated notice. If you wish to respond to this message, please post your response directly to the IANET Discussion Forum at <http://www.pacificnet.net/~ianet/forum/index.cgi>. Thank you!
CommentsPlease don't allow these buildings to be swamped by the modern architectural disasters proposed by Dublin Corp
CommentsAs a former resident of the Inchicore/Kilmainham area I would like to register my disapproval of this revised Charmside Development Plan. This plan, as it appears in the model and artists impressions, does not fit in with the area and goes against the local delevlopment plan. This plot of land should be used for local and tourist amenities, it should be kept as green as possible. Surely it makes more sense to plan office parks in the suburbs and not add to the rush-hour (which can last all day) congestion and parking problems of the city. Please Dublin Corporation refuse this and similar future applications for office/residential blocks.
CommentsI would like to register my opposition to this development, as I know it will have an adverse imapct on the local area.
CommentsYous Corpo Planners are sure goin' off the Rail, if yous don't take relevant steps to protect Kilmainham Jail !
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CommentsIn my capacity of an University professor dealing with urban heritage and inner city revitalisation, I am convinced that such so-called "modern" development near Kilmainham Gaol would simply be a crime against intelligence, against the environment, against basic principles of urban development and against Irish identity and the memory of her heroes. After the bunker already comitted along the Liffey, this would definitely promote Dublin Corporation as the champion of the worse urban projects worldwide.
Commentsdon't let this happen dublin corporation, history won't judge you well.
CommentsKilmainham Jail is one of the most important historical sites in Ireland. It is really important to protect the site. I think the proposed office blocks are really not appropriate ! Christine ASSY Paris, France
CommentsA chara, I fully agree with the sentiments of this website and sincerely hope this magnificent monument will not be damaged in any way. Is mise Caoilte Breatnach Kinvara/Co galway |