COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
HEADED ITEM NO. 16
BOLTON HALL
REPLY:
A site inspection of Bolton Hall, RPS Ref. 286 was carried out on 10th of March 2010 in order to check on the progress of works in relation to the reinstatement of the roof to Bolton Hall and associated features i.e. repair/reinstatement of chimneys and repair & restoration of the wrought-iron railings of the viewing platform. Other works being carried out due to fire damage and/or water damage after the fire include repair works to ceilings and decorative plasterworks.
During the site inspection is was evident that the chimneys which had to be partially rebuilt were nearly complete and had been constructed to match the original in terms of design, materials and profile. The existing bricks where re-used where possible and a lime-based mortar mix was also used, thereby adhering to good conservation principles. The roof was almost complete apart from the sections of roof adjacent to the chimney stacks which would be completed as soon as the shuttering around the chimneys is removed.
It was stated by a representative of Burkeway Properties that the chimneys were removed because they were structurally condemned due to the fire and the movement from the roof falling in. They posed a serious health and safety risk. They are 70% reconstructed at present and will be complete along with the roof by the first week in May 2010. Contact between Burkeway Properties Ltd and the Planning Department is made on an on-going basis and it was agreed during the site inspection that the Council’s Conservation Officer would continue to be kept up-to-date of progress on site. Sit inspections will also continue to be carried out until such time that the roof works and all other associated works are completed.