Haughey suggests College Green Buildings to be taken into State ownership

Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey T.D. has called for the old Houses of Parliament Building in College Green to be handed over to the care of the State.

The Parliament Building, currently occupied by Bank of Ireland and used for banking purposes, could Minister Haughey believes, be better showcased in the service of the State.

Minister Haughey’s proposal is that the Bank of Ireland be persuaded to part with the old Parliament Building in College Green and that the State would take over the care, upkeep and ownership of this historic building. The old Irish Houses of Parliament Building was the world’s first purpose-built two chambered parliament house. It served as the seat of both chambers (the Lords and the Commons) of the Irish Parliament until the Act of Union. There is immense architectural and historical importance attaching to the site which would make it a superb addition in State hands.

“Given the current economic and banking crisis I would strongly suggest that the time is opportune to negotiate with the Bank of Ireland for the transfer of the building to State ownership, given that Bank’s undoubted indebtedness, both moral and financial, to the Irish taxpayer. Following the significant undertakings which the Government has made in respect of the Bank of Ireland, I feel that there is a general mood among the public that the Bank should be seen to reciprocate in some way. The donation of the historic building would, on their part, I believe, be viewed as a magnanimous gesture”.

“The unique nature, excellent workmanship and central location of the building make it a landmark in the city for all Dubliners and the transfer of ownership to the State would, I believe, be widely welcomed”.

“If the old Parliament Building was in State hands, the possibility arises that the further complex of buildings in the wider College Green-Fleet Street area could, if also made available, become a landmark site for State activities – including cultural, educational or public administration activities, with overall responsibility given to the Office of Public Works. The OPW has in recent time undertaken a programme of restoration and renovation of other public buildings which are a continuing source of pride to all our citizens. No doubt a similar initiative could be undertaken in this area also”.

“Re-location of the Abbey Theatre to this area could also be considered if the GPO complex was not deemed appropriate for whatever reason. Within the College Green to Fleet Street complex, space for a theatre could be provided possibly either in a restored portion of existing buildings, or in a new purpose built theatre towards the Fleet Street/Parliament Row end of the site, but with an accommodating entrance availing of the magnificent frontage at College Green or Westmoreland Street”.

“I have put this suggestion to the Taoiseach and have also written to the Governor of the Bank of Ireland. Given the current usage of the building as a working bank and a cash distribution centre, the Governor has indicated his opposition to the proposal “at the present time”. Significantly, the headquarters of the Bank has already relocated from this site some time ago. I would like to see this matter debated in public with a view to establishing a working group so that the objective of State ownership and care of this site can be achieved. To help achieve this goal the model previously used in the case of Temple Bar may, I believe, be very appropriate”.

“The Bank of Ireland should be encouraged to pass ownership of these buildings to the State at no cost, or possibly for a nominal amount for contract purposes”.

“The acquisition of this building complex would be of great benefit to the Nation and would be a suitable achievement to mark the 1916 Rising Centenary celebrations. I have no doubt that the State could put these buildings to excellent use in showcasing their unique character”.