Sir, - I was taken aback to read in Jack Fagan's article in your Commercial Property section of September 5th that "the Bloomfield Hospital is currently based in two 18th- and 19th-century buildings which were listed for preservation after they went for sale even though they are quite obviously of no architectural merit".
While Mr Fagan is entitled to his opinion, he appears not to be aware of detailed reports on the architectural and historical significance of these buildings in Donnybrook, including a detailed analysis prepared for the Society of Friends in Ireland - owners since the early 19th century - by Mr David Slattery, historic buildings consultant.
Both Ms Susan Roundtree, the Corporation's conservation officer, and Mr Slattery concurred in the following findings which were presented to the City Council last April: "The core interior spaces within Bloomfield House, including the stair hall, date from the late 18th century and are of considerable significance, meriting protection and conservation.
"The design of both the north and west wings of Bloomfield are of historical importance, as their cellular structures, which still survive despite some later alterations, reflect a new procedure for the treatment of mental illness in Ireland in the early 19th century. The format of preservation agreed by the City Council does not insist on the retention of both wings in their entirety, but will ensure that any redevelopment will respect their historical background.
"Swanbrook House is an attractive 19th-century building, set in pleasantly landscaped grounds. All of its main rooms survive intact together with all of their architectural features."
The addition of Bloomfield House, Swanbrook House and their attendant grounds to the Corporation's Record of Protected Structures was made by the City Council only after careful consideration of the conservation reports and a public consultation process. Certain modern buildings within the complex, which were not deemed to be of special architectural or historical significance, were deliberately excluded from the record.
The Corporation's overall intention is to balance the need to protect key elements of significance at Bloomfield with the need to find new uses for the complex after the proposed relocation of the nursing home. - Yours, etc.,
John Martin, Deputy Planning Officer, Dublin Corporation Planning Department, Wood Quay, Dublin 8.