An Taisce has made a submission to the current Strategic Housing Development application by Derryroe Ltd. for 105 apartments and an aparthotel extension at Herbert Park and Pembroke Place, which would include demolition of No 40 Herbert Park.
No. 40 is of considerable social and historic significance as it was the home of Michael Joseph O’Rahilly – more often known as The O’Rahilly – who died in the 1916 Rising.
Apart from its important historic association, the house, in particular its aspect facing Herbert Park road, is an attractive Edwardian villa-type design characteristic of the development of the inner suburbs in the late 19th and early 20th century. The house is, furthermore, in largely unaltered and original condition, featuring timber bay windows, steep, red-tiled roofs and gables, corniced redbrick chimneys, and an alternate brick/render treatment to the external walling. An Taisce understands that two other houses of the same date and type within the Derryroe site – Nos. 36 and 38 – have recently been demolished and that No. 40 is now the last of this group of three.
On account of its historic association, together with its age and design, it is highly likely that the house would fulfil the legislative requirements for addition to the Dublin City Record of Protected Structures.
If permitted, the demolition of the house at No. 40 Herbert Park would represent a significant loss of cultural heritage for the city and for the nation. An Taisce has urged the adjudicating board, An Bord Pleanála, to refuse permission for the part of the application seeking its demolition. A decision is due in September 2020. (Reference PL29S.307197)
