COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

QUESTION NO.  13

QUESTION: Councillor C. Jones

To ask the Manager if there are any enforcement implications in regard to the recent demolition of buildings at the site of Esker House?

REPLY:

Planning permission was recently granted on 23rd August 2011, under Planning Register Reference SD11A/0125 for a change of use and conversion of the existing Esker House (a Protected Structure, RPS Ref. 101) and existing single-storey annex to a Retreat House.  It is proposed to convert the existing stable buildings into classrooms/meeting rooms and carry out the necessary repair works where required.  It is proposed to demolish an existing c.1970s corrugated steel barn which is of no architectural merit and to construct a new community building consisting of a two-storey main Auditorium and single-storey Secondary Hall consisting of a canteen, toilets and ancillary accommodation in this location (south corner of the site).

The existing gate lodge c. 1970s of no architectural merit will also be demolished and replaced with a new single-storey gate lodge for use as Care takers living accommodation.  The planning application was referred to the Council's Conservation Officer and all details provided with the application were agreed as none of the original buildings associated with the Main house which come under the protection of the site as a Protected Structure are proposed for demolition.

The Councils Conservation Officer will carry out a site inspection to clarify the situation on site and to ensure the details in the planning permission granted are being adhered to in terms of the Protected Structure and associated buildings within the curtilage.  If any unauthorised demolition of buildings within the curtilage of the Protected Structure has taken place then immediate action will be taken under the Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Planning Enforcement.