An Taisce has taken High Court proceedings against Sir Josslyn Gore-Booth, the former owner of Lissadell House in Co Sligo, to prevent the sale of seven gasoliers (gas-lit chandeliers) and an organ at an auction of the house's contents on November 25th.
Sir Josslyn recently sold the house, which has associations with the poet W. B. Yeats and Countess Markievicz, to Mr Edward Walsh SC, and Ms Constance Cassidy SC, for €3.5 million.
Yesterday, Mr Justice Quirke gave An Taisce leave to notify Sir Josslyn that the organisation would be bringing an application before the court on Monday next to prevent the removal of the gasoliers and organ.
Hamilton Osborne King, auctioneers, has advertised a sale of items at Lissadell House on November 25th and An Taisce claims the items include fixtures and fittings which are integral to the character of the house.
Mr Peter Bland, for An Taisce, told Mr Justice Quirke his client was bringing the application under the 2000 Planning and Development Act to restrain "and apprehended unauthorised development" which was the removal of elements of Lissadell House, a protected structure. Under Section 56 of the Act, interior works which would otherwise be exempted were "de-exempted" if there was an element which clearly contributed to the special architectural, historical, artistic, cultural and social interest of the house.
In an affidavit, Mr Ian Lumley, An Taisce's heritage officer, said Lissadell House was believed to have been the first house lit by gas in Ireland and the pipework for the gas system was integrated into the house design. The gasoliers were of Grecian design and fitted into the pipe system.
Mr Lumley said the house also included an organ by Hull of Dublin which was earlier than the house. It was installed in the columned gallery in conjunction with the fitting out of the interior, so it was an integral feature of the house. It was not movable and its removal would create a hole in the floor.
When it appeared that Sligo County Council did not intend to take any proactive steps in the matter, Mr Lumley said An Taisce's solicitors wrote to Sir Josslyn but had received no reply.