Sir, - I read with incredulity (The Irish Times, September 29th) that Athlumney House, which is almost three centuries old, may be demolished by the IDA. How is this type of vandalism still possible on the eve of the 21st century? Why can there not be a general blanket preservation order on all buildings which are more than 150 years old? - Yours, etc.,
Michael M. Delmonte, Trafalgar Terrace, Monkstown, Co Dublin.