A group of conservationists, led by TDs Mr Joe Costello and Mr Ciarán Cuffe, are calling on the Government to stop a historic Jesuit-owned building from falling into private hands.
University Hall, Lower Hatch Street, Dublin, which served as a student residence for more than 90 years, closed earlier this year and is now on the market.
Final bids for the property must be with agents Sherry FitzGerald by October 21st and although a guide price has not been given, the Victorian building is expected to fetch more than €15 million.
The National Heritage Conservation Group, chaired by Mr Costello (Labour), will this week ask the Minister for Education, Ms Hanafin, to acquire the building for continued use as student accommodation.
The building is a protected structure, but its zoning allows for a variety of uses that could allow it to be developed as a hotel, a commercial space or an apartment complex.
"The point we are making is that Hatch Hall is in a perfect location for students and it would be a shame if it was lost to the education sector," Mr Cuffe (Green Party) said. He intends to table a Dáil question on the issue as soon as possible.
Mr Costello believes it would be "ideal" as a residence specifically for foreign students studying in Dublin.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/0bcd259b-2f01-4cec-ad76-961379866d32.png)