Fate of historic house hangs in the balance
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.
Given its historical connection, the significance and value of the Rice House with its exterior and most of its interior features still intact, is important for heritage and cultural tourism. We find it unbelievable that a semi-state body should be actively involved in the desecration of such a house, that their only concern should be the profit they would make from the sale of this valuable property in the heart of Dingle.
In its present state, with its French connection and Dingle’s Spanish connections through the 16th century Treaty of Dingle, it would make an ideal maritime museum, history centre, art gallery, period house. The possibilities are endless. We need some state body to shout ’stop’. Enough has been destroyed in this country.
We are left in the helpless position of seeming to be in conflict with the very body that we would be looking to for help if the house was being sold by any other group.
Many years ago members of the Blasket island community sent a frantic telegram to Eamon de Valera appealing for aid. Today we are appealing to his grandson to bring his good offices to bare with Údarás na Gaeltachta to save this house.
Elizabeth Úí hUigín,
Runaí an Chomhaontas.
Comhaontas Thig na Ríseach,
(Conradh Cosanta Oidhreacht an Daingin)
Co Chiaraí
