Group seeks delay in sale of ‘crown jewels’

A GROUP of all-party politicians is bidding to change the law to stop the State’s “crown jewels” falling into the hands of private owners.

Headed by Dublin solicitor Damien Cassidy, the group is attempting to secure a six month moratorium on the sale of any historic building. Mr Cassidy said this would give the State or local communities the first option of buying it and ensuring the public retains access.

The State’s failure to buy the historic Lissadell House in Sligo, and conversion of many churches, including St Mary’s Church in Dublin’s Mary Street into pubs and theatres, has prompted Mr Cassidy to take action.

“It is a disgrace to see the Church where Wolfe Tone was baptised and where the famous preacher John Wesley gave sermons being deconsecrated and turned into a pub,” Mr Cassidy said.

“I get the impression that the crown jewels are being sold off and if we let them go we will only have ourselves to blame if tourists by-pass us to go to London,” Mr Cassidy said.

The All-Party Heritage Conservation group which is backing Mr Cassidy’s campaign includes the Taoiseach’s brother Cllr Maurice Ahern; Fianna Fail deputy, Eoin Ryan; Fine Gael deputy, John Perry; Labour deputy, Joe Costello; Labour Cllr, Dermot Lacey and Green Party deputy, Ciaran Cuffe.

Mr Cassidy, who is chairman of the group, said they are planning to bring a Private Member’s Bill into the Dáil that will seek to amend the 1930 Historic Monuments Act.

The All-Party Historic Conservation Group has no problem with a person’s right to sell private property and to get a fair price, but they want to ensure that whoever buys it will continue to allow public access.

Green Party Deputy Ciaran Cuffe said he is considering tabling the Private Member’s Bill with the support of Fianna Fail’s Deputy Eoin Ryan, Labour’s Joe Costello and Fine Gael’s John Perry. “We feel the current Government is playing scant regard to heritage issues”, he said.