Sir, – I wish to add my voice to Cllr Dermot Lacey's call (Letters, July 6th) on the Minister for Finance to secure the transfer of the former Irish parliament building on College Green in Dublin for the State.
First, the building is of national historic and cultural imprortance, constructed in the 18th century as the first purpose-built bicameral assembly in Europe, and is an architectural masterpiece in a pivotal location. I agree with Mr Lacey that the ideas for a future use of the building are legion, but the critical issue is that the use should be a public one.
Second, the bank’s plaza forms one side of the proposed College Green public space. The opportunity to incorporate the plaza into the public realm offers increased pedestrian space for events, outdoor activities and recreation which would greatly enhance the viability of the College Green plan.
Before the Government sells our stake in the bank, it has a golden opportunity to negotiate terms for the transfer of the College Green buildings to the State.
This opportunity must not be missed. – Yours etc,
MARGARET COYLE,
Ranelagh,
Dublin 6.