Construction BUSINESS

A planning application for Aldborough House, Dublin’s last Georgian mansion, has been submitted. Situated on Portland Row in the North Inner City, the plans would transform the protected structure into an office development.

The building was vacated almost two decades ago and has fallen into disrepair. Despite plans to renovate and restore the building, it has continued to decay during the 21st century. It was sold for an estimated €4.5 million in 2005 and planning permission for a private hospital was granted in 2006 but the project never went ahead.

The Irish Georgian Society, An Taisce and Dublin City Council have made efforts to secure the building and the current owners, Reliance Investments Ltd, now plan to conserve and restore the building for office use.

According to the Dublin People, local councillor Nial Ring (Ind) said news of the application has been broadly welcomed by locals, public representatives and conservationists. “For a number of years Aldborough House has been let fall into decline and Dublin City Council has spent over €200,000 protecting the structure,” he said.

“However, the news that the owners now propose to develop this magnificent building into offices is a most welcome development. From its hayday as the second-biggest Georgian private residence in Dublin, it subsequently had many uses. It was a school run by former Cistercian monk, Prof Gregor von Feinaigle, and an army barracks. My own grandfather worked there when it was owned by the Board of Works and it was subsequently used by the P&T (now An Post), IMRO and then fell into private hands. The plans for offices means that, once again, this house will be restored to its former glory. Thanks to the Irish Georgian Society, An Taisce and Dublin City Council, this building has not been completely lost.”