Poolbeg chimneys are iconic to Dublin’s image and must be protected

The Fianna Fáil Group on Dublin City Council has requested that the City Council initiate the process of listing the iconic Poolbeg Chimneys on the City’s Record of Protected Structures.

“It would appear that the ESB may be in a position to demolish the structures without consulting any outside body and we believe that they should be retained and incorporated into to any future plans for the area,” said Fianna Fáil Group Leader Paul McAuliffe.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor for Pembroke and South Dock, Frank Kennedy summed up the views of many Dubliners when he said “I’m dismayed to hear that the ESB is contemplating knocking down the Poolbeg chimneys. These are an iconic image of Dublin City and Dublin Bay that mean a great deal to so many the capital’s residents, especially to those living by the sea in Sandymount and Ringsend.  Having grown up under their shadow, I can’t imagine the strand without the famous Sandymount Stacks.  Dublin City Council should do everything in its power to ensure the preservation of this great landmark.”

Councillor Jim O’Callaghan has called upon the ESB and Dublin City Council to launch a public art competition for the twin Poolbeg chimneys that were recently threatened with demolition.

“The Poolbeg chimneys are an important part of Dublin’s image and industrial heritage. Knocking them down would be very short sighted,” said O’Callaghan.

“The chimneys provide a wonderful opportunity for artistic expression and there are many imaginative Irish artists who could come up with exciting works of art that could utilise them. It is for that reason that I have asked the ESB and the council to launch a public art competition for artists who can transform the chimneys into works of contemporary art”, said O’Callaghan.