Reply - H.I. 6

This report is in two parts. The first is a summary of the Ministerial Consent obtained in July 2007 the second is a programme for the redevelopment of Templeogue House for use as a community facility.

Following the successful conclusion of the Part 8 consultation process in July 2005, the Architectural Services Department engaged in extensive consultation with the Heritage Advisory Unit of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government about the detail of the conservation aspect of the redevelopment for Templeogue House for community related use. Following this consultation, Ministerial Consent was formally granted under the National Monuments Acts 1932 – 2004 in July 2007.

Particular importance was placed by the Heritage Advisory Unit on the retention of all the floor structure in situ during the course of construction works and thereafter. Also additional survey work of the concealed plaster ceiling dating from the 1690’s was required. Therefore the existing floors were analysed for the presence of fungal decay, insect infestation, age, source, method of construction, structural stability and general suitability for the new use. The ceilings were analysed using borescope photography. Surveys and analysis works were carried out during 2006 and a contractor was engaged for opening up works. A new floor structure was designed to retain and support the existing floor. This new design and the recommendations from the survey and opening-up works were presented to the Heritage Section in February 2007.

The Ministerial Consent to carry out conservation works has two conditions attached; (1) the council must inform the Heritage Advisory Unit on all conservation methodologies as the project progresses and (2) the proposal to make small openings to be made in the concealed plaster ceiling to support the existing floor and the Rococo ceiling below should be revised. The council is addressing these concerns as tender documentation is being prepared.

2) Programme for the remaining works.

It is envisaged that the project will be at Tender Stage by January 2008 and that site works will commence in March 2008, subject to ongoing successful consultation with the Heritage Advisory Unit. The construction period would be approximately one year. The programme is also dependant upon the successful conclusion of agreements with the other users of the Templeogue House campus on car-parking and other land use issues.