COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
MOTION NO. 12
MOTION: Councillor P. Cosgrave
Cathaoirleach's Business
"That the Manager give a report on what conservation works will be done in 2010 to preserve the Loftus Arch at Dodder Park Road. Loftus Arch is a protected structure and denotes the gateway to South Dublin from Dunlaoghaire/Rathdown and Dublin City councils."
REPORT:
The Roman Arch, also known as Lord Ely’s Gate is a former entrance gate to the Rathfarnham Castle demesne. It was built around 1769 – 71 by Nicholas Loftus, Earl of Ely. The arch is situated in a public park at the junction of Dodder Park Road and Braemor Road at the eastern edge of South Dublin County. It is referred to in the Council’s Record of Protected Structures, RPS (Map Ref. 201) under the County Development Plan 2004-2010-Schedule 2 Record of Protected Structures, referred to as “The Roman Arch, Dodder Road Lower”. The structure is also listed under the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as being of Regional Interest, Registry Number 11211012. It is therefore an obligation of the council to maintain the structure.
In 2009 the Architectural Services Department was commissioned to assess the essential repair works required to the structure. Opening up works were carried to accurately assess the condition of the structure including the removal of creeper growth from the facades of the arch, the opening up of the blocked entrances to facilitate a fuller condition assessment and survey, and to allow the structure to breathe. At the end of 2009 a high-voltage ESB cable was diverted from the north-eastern façade of the arch in anticipation of the main works.
Following the inspection, assessment and consideration of the historic documentation, detailed specifications for conservation and repair works were prepared and tenders were obtained from a specialist masonry subcontractor and accredited main contractor with a view to commencing work in 2010. Traditionally masonry repair works are carried out during the months of April to October to avoid frost damage to the lime mortars used in the conservation. The recent prolonged period of freezing weather has obviously impacted further on the condition of the arch. Initial repair on the arch will commence on the week of the 22nd March 2010 with the specialist masonry work following in April 2010.
The DoEHLG have provided financial assistance under the Civic structures Grant Scheme for works carried out to date. A new application has been made for the works to be carried out in 2010. We anticipate that the DoEHLG will continue to support the project.