The Built Environment unit of An Taisce took time over the summer to review the very popular database for structures at risk, which was originally released in November 2014. In this we are tracking some 120 buildings and structures at risk which were considered significant nationally and regionally and required intervention to prevent further deterioration. While there has been progress in securing certain buildings particularly in the Dublin City area, the majority of buildings recorded remain at risk and are becoming increasingly lost. This loss is seen in the example of Donaghy Mills in Drogheda, which saw a significant fire gut the building on St Patrick’s Day, 2019. An Taisce have added the following buildings:
- Hope Castle, Castleblaney
- Saint Peters Church of Ireland, Drumconrath
- The Anchor Pub and adjacent House, Graiguenamanagh
- Old Barracks, Rathanagan
- Leinster Street House, Rathanagan
Several buildings have had work works completed over the past few years, many incorporated into wider developments, and the significance of the risk to the structures has been decreased if not completely removed. The following buildings are no long considered significantly at risk:
- Le Touche Hotel, Greystones
- Hazelwood House, Sligo
- General Post Office, Limerick
- Dun Laoghaire Baths, Dun Laoghaire
- Dromdihy House, Killeagh
- Christ Church, Rathcormack
- Casino, Malahide
- Boole House, Cork
- Boland’s Mill, Dublin
An Taisce would like to thank our members and several individuals who identified and provided information on the buildings noted above. It may be the case that you know of a structure at risk before An Taisce is made aware of it. An Taisce requires the input of individuals and local communities to contribute information to keep the Register as up to date as possible. It is up to you to gather information on a structure at risk in your own community. The data collected is crucial in identifying, encouraging and proactively pursuing the restoration and re-use of individual structures at risk. The information also supports more strategic and area based initiatives where levels of risk are concentrated, where problems can be identified and flagged, priorities set and recommendations made for action. If you wish to let us know about a structure at risk, take a photograph and get in contact. If you wish to suggest a building at risk you are familiar with, please take the time to fill out the following form.
The Buildings at Risk Register is an unfunded project by An Taisce – the National Trust for Ireland supported and maintained by its voluntary members. The Buildings at Risk Register was put in place in response to a concern at the growing number of structures that are vacant and falling into a state of disrepair. The Register provides information on structures of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest throughout the country that are considered to be at risk.
This project is incredibly resource intensive. An Taisce would welcome any donations to ensure its continuity into the future given it is currently unfunded and being resourced to a large part by volunteers throughout the country.
