I write to express my concern regarding the proposed demolition of the peat-burning power station complex at Portarlington. The first of its kind to be constructed in this country, it stands as a monument to those visionaries who grafted a semi-industrial outlook on to the principally agricultural psyche of the Midlands.
The complex comprises a fine five-story brick building, alongside its ubiquitous cooling tower, which formed an impressive focal point on the planar landscape of the Midlands. Since its closure some years ago, the building has lain idle.
The proposed demolition illustrates our myopic view as to what constitutes our architectural heritage. Contemporary structures such as these form part of our legitimate architectural, industrial and indeed cultural inheritance. They are quietly disappearing from our towns and villages without protest. Images and photographs will survive and be mourned by future generations as part of a mythological heritage. Our heritage is all-embracing and must be respected.
It is proposed to accommodate small industries on the gravesite of this complex. One wonders why these uses could not be adequately accommodated within the existing building. Similar multi-use industrial structures are a commonplace feature of other European towns and cities. One despairs at the prospect of the eradication of this historical landmark, and of the vision that created it. Yours, etc.,
B.Arch Sc. Dip.Arch., Pembroke Road, Dublin 4.