Campaign Against Proposed Office
Blocks overlooking Kilmainham Jail and Museum
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National Importance of Kilmainham Jail and Museum
Kilmainham Jail opened in 1796, four years before the Act of Union abolished the Irish Parliament in Dublin and thus making Ireland a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. It closed in 1924, two years after the signing of a Treaty that restored a measure of independence to the south of Ireland, a step that led ultimately to the declaration of a Republic in 1949.
Thus the opening and closing of the Jail more or less coincided with the making and breaking of the Union between Great Britain and Ireland. During the intervening years the Jail held a mirror to the turbulent history of the troubled relations between the two countries. These years saw Rebellion, Famine, Revolution, and Civil War. At the heart of these troubles lay Irish attempts at varying degrees of self-determination which came to a terrible climax in the years 1916-23. Many of Ireland's most important historical figures spent time in the jail, and some of them died there by firing squad or by the hangman's noose. There can be few places, therefore, that more intensely focus the forces that shaped modern Irish history than Kilmainham Jail.
The Jail is now a National Monument, and has been opened to the public as a Museum. The Museum tells the story of Ireland's troubled path to independence and of the Jail's role in that story. 160,000 visitors came to see the Jail in 1999.
A company called Charmside Developments are proposing to demolish a confectionery factory on Inchicore Road, which is directly opposite Kilmainham Jail, and build three office blocks on the site.
These proposed office blocks would be from three to six floors in height, and would be higher than the Jail. They are designed to provide 36,453 square metres (392,380 square feet) of office space, an underground car park for nearly 600 cars, and three small retail units totalling 450 square metres (4843 square feet). The ratio of office space to retail space will be 98.9% to 1.2%.
Why we object to these proposals
Kilmainham Jail is one of the most important historical sites in Ireland, and is a designated National Monument. The proposed office blocks are too large in relation to the Jail and would consequently diminish its stature. We agree that the site opposite the Jail needs to be developed, but the national importance of the area and its close proximity to the Jail should be of paramount concern.
160,000 visitors came to see the Jail in 1999. These visitor's come from all over the world and visit the Jail to learn more about Ireland's history. Once their visit to the Jail and Museum is over, there are no local amenities for them to use. They must simply get on the bus and leave the area. The site should be developed with this sixth of a million visitors per year in mind.
No matter where you live, or whether you have ancestors from Ireland or not, you can help to maintain the integrity of a major part of Ireland's and the world's heritage. You can fill in our online form with your comments and these will be instantly and automatically sent by email to the body which has planning responsibility in this matter : Dublin Corporation. Alternatively you can contact Dublin Corporation directly (see the details below).
Contact Dublin Corporation:
Planning Reference: 2467/00
Address:
Dublin Corporation
Planning Department
Wood Quay
Dublin 8
Ireland