Arts Council intervenes in row over contentious plans for James Joyce’s ‘The Dead’ house

The Arts Council has intervened in a row concerning plans to convert a property at Usher’s Island in Dublin, the setting for James Joyce’s The Dead, into 10 apartments.
Its strategic development director Deirdre Behan wrote to Dublin City Council requesting that it satisfy itself that “the proposed development safeguards and preserves the special interest and special cultural value of the property”.
Ms Behan’s letter is in response to contentious plans by Brimwood UC, owned by former Monaghan senior GAA football manager Séamus “Banty” McEnaney.
Last year the company received more than €30 million for housing International Protection (IP) applicants and Ukrainians through Government contracts.
In the three-page letter, the Arts Council reminded the local authority “of the significant cultural value of this property to literacy in Ireland, in addition to its built heritage value contributing positively to the historic character of the Dublin city south quays”.
Ms Behan further stated that the council must also satisfy itself that the proposal was consistent with the provisions of the Dublin city Development Plan 2022-2028.
In a separate submission, accompanied by a petition signed by 1,675 people, local activist Zoe Obeimhen told the council that “we the undersigned object to the granting of permission for 10 apartments at 15 Usher’s Island”.
[ Plan to return house in Usher’s Island that was setting for Joyce’s The Dead to residential useOpens in new window ]
The letter urges Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien to issue a ministerial order allowing for the compulsory acquisition of the building.
Ms Obeimhen argued the property was at risk of culturally inappropriate development, and said “this is a one-off building that can never be replaced once it is gone”.
The building is closely associated with the James Joyce Tower in the South Dublin suburb of Sandycove. Architect Charles Hulgraine has told the council “we despair for the future of this Joycean landmark except in name only”.
A planning report lodged with Dublin City Council by planning consultant Kevin Hughes on behalf of Brimwood points out that a residential use of the building is more suitable than a tourist hostel, for which the previous permission was granted.
[ Plan for James Joyce ‘House of the Dead’ is an act of cultural vandalismOpens in new window ]
He contended it was not feasible to return the building to a singular house, but the provision of 10 apartments was considered appropriate.
Mr Hughes said the applicant and design team “are aware of the significance of the building and have gone to great lengths to protect and improve the historic fabric of the building”.
A decision is due on the application next month.