Fate of historic house hangs in the balance

ONCE again the members of the Rice House Alliance are appealing to the government to save this 18th century building from the fate suffered by so many priceless treasures at the hands of ‘progress’ in this country.

At the last meeting of the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta on May 2, the board members decided to postpone the sale pending a closer study of its historical importance. However, the sale is on the agenda for the meeting tomorrow in Ring, Co Waterford.

It would be bad enough if the house were in private ownership. But the house we are seeking to protect is actually owned by a semi-state body, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and this body applied for and received planning permission to substantially alter the 18th century building from Kerry County Council and the house is now for sale.