As it is rated as a List 1 building in the 1999 Dublin City Development Plan, the Monastery Chapel of St. Alphonsus has been, since January 1 of this year, a protected structure under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1999. This protection covers both the exterior of the chapel and its magnificent interior.
As I stated in my reply to you on October 7, the powers provided by this new Act provide the best method for protecting our architectural heritage. The acquisition of the chapel is, therefore, not necessary to ensure its preservation.
With regard to the developers, they maintain that they wish to ensure that the architectural integrity of the chapel is protected in a manner which does not conflict with their legitimate interest in building apartments in the grounds. They initially entered into discussions with An Taisce, local community groups and the religious order with a view to forming a trust which would provide for the chapel's future use. When these discussions proved inconclusive, the chapel was placed on the market in the hope of finding a buyer who could provide it with a suitable use. As far as I am aware, no buyer has, as yet, been found.
Towards the end of last year, officials from my Department entered into discussions with the developer regarding the provision of a use for the chapel which will not adversely affect its interior, while being mindful of the residential nature of the development. The discussions are ongoing at the moment.
