Dublin City Council is taking legal action against developers for what they call the “unauthorised demolition” of the home of a leading rebel in the Easter Rising of 1916.
The house in question was located at 40 Herbert Park, and was bulldozed in September of 2020 to make way for a 2-storey apartment and hotel complex.
The site was once home to Michael Joseph O’Rahilly, who was the only rebel leader killed in battle during the Rising.
While developers were granted permission by An Bord Pleanala for the demolition and development project, the solicitor for the city council asserted that this was an “unauthorised demolition.”
The council has sent an enforcement notice to the developers ordering all construction work on the site to cease until the legal matter is resolved.
“Until all pre-commencement conditions have been complied with, works cannot recommence,” said Richard Shakespeare, DCC assistant chief executive.
Reportedly, residents were opposed to the demolition as they said that the site was of great importance to Irish history.
However, developers insist that they demolished the house “in accordance with all applicable laws” and that they made Dublin City Council fully aware of their plans.
The prosecution came before the Dublin District Court yesterday, and was heard by Judge Anthony Halpin, who adjourned the case until January.