DUBLIN CITY planners have granted permission to Siptu for the demolition of Liberty Hall and its replacement by a much taller and bulkier building – described by one critic as having the attributes of a “Sumo wrestler”.
At a height of 93.6 metres, the new tower would be more than half as tall again as Dublin’s first “skyscraper” as well as being significantly broader and would include a “skydeck”.
The decision, which is certain to be appealed to An Bord Pleanála, contains 20 conditions, many of them very detailed. Some relate to the architectural treatment and also require a full survey of the existing building, so it can be “preserved by record”.
The planners are also seeking “wind-tunnel” tests, details of all external materials, finishes and design changes “to ensure the provision of a building of exceptional architectural character and quality” on the site at Eden Quay.
Siptu’s architects, Gilroy McMahon, are required to provide “details of the type and colour of all elevation and roofing materials and finishes, including all glazing, curtain walling, rain screen glazing, louvres, baffles, screens [and] ventilation grilles.”
But architect and critic Shane O’Toole, speaking for Docomomo Ireland, which is committed to preserving monuments of the Modern Movement, said last night it would appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála.
“It’s among the best-known landmark structures in the city from the 20th century, and we can’t afford to lose our architectural memory”, he said. “If our old boyfriend was tall, skinny and lanky, the new fellow knocking on the door is a Sumo wrestler.”
He also suggested that the proposed development “is unrealistic in the current climate” and Siptu would be “better off looking at alternatives, such as a site near the M50, which would be better located to serve the union’s national membership.
Siptu maintains the existing 60-metre-high building, which dates from 1965, is no longer functional. Welcoming the planners’ decision, general secretary Joe O’Flynn said it would be considering the conditions along with professional advisers.
“The decision to proceed with the redevelopment of Liberty Hall . . . was based on the reality that the present building is unable to meet the operational needs of the union in the 21st century”, Siptu said, adding that its “dysfunctional nature” meant that it had to be replaced.
Docomomo, in its objection to the latest plan, said the “gargantuan tower” now proposed would largely contain speculative office space, which Siptu itself had said “would be available for sale or leasing, to generate revenue and offset costs”.
This is the union’s second attempt to replace Liberty Hall.
An earlier planning application was withdrawn last year after city planners were unenthusiastic about the design.
