Podcast: Are listed buildings holding up development?
There are over 40,000 protected structures in Ireland, commonly known as listed buildings.
In Ireland, there are more than 40,000 protected structures, also known as listed buildings. However, many of these buildings are in disrepair, and those owned by the state present significant challenges and costs when it comes to modernization and retrofitting to meet contemporary climate standards. Recently, the Health Service Executive (HSE) decided to transfer the James Weir building in Dublin 8 to the Land Development Agency.
According to Assistant Professor of Architecture at UCD, Orla Hegarty, who spoke on RTÉ's Behind the Story, the reasons for protecting these buildings extend beyond their architecture or architectural quality. They also encompass artistic, cultural, and scientific value. For instance, a building might be significant because it's where an invention was made.
Once a building is either proposed or already protected, it falls under the regulation that prevents endangering the structure or undertaking actions without permission. If a local authority observes a building deteriorating or in danger, and the owner is either unknown or unresponsive, they can intervene, undertake necessary repairs, and seek reimbursement from the owner later on.
Hegarty noted that there's often confusion regarding the level of protection afforded to these structures. While it does restrict certain actions, it does not mean that all modifications are prohibited. Instead, care must be taken to consider the implications thoroughly before proceeding with any changes.
Hegarty also observed a shift in how new buildings are perceived. Traditionally, structures were built to fulfill specific purposes, such as providing housing or workplaces. However, in recent times, there's been a surge in speculative property development, leading to a high proportion of office buildings designed with large, open floor plans. These contemporary designs, while aesthetically pleasing, pose significant challenges when attempting to convert them into residential units due to their open layout.
Written by urgent.news from RTE News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
