Stephen Hunter is a Cork conservationist who likes to ask awkward questions. Usually, they concern the reasons why beautiful buildings have been allowed to fall into neglect for want of proper vigilance.
He and his partner, C.P. Hudson, an artist and freelance writer, share a passion for Cork's built heritage, which is the subject of a slim volume they have produced under their own imprint, Platform. What they have to say amounts to a wake-up call.
Since last October, they have been researching Cork's heritage buildings, many of which will have gone unnoticed by the vast majority of people living in the city.
Ignoring the built heritage, they warn, can ease the path for speculators and planners caught up in the onward rush of development, when a more considered, sober approach is required.
"Demolition of a heritage structure should be a rare event . . . Even as we go to print, decisions that will profoundly affect the city's future configuration are being made. It will be interesting to see how many of the buildings discussed here will still be standing two years from now," they write.
The booklet contains notes and photographs of 34 buildings, including the late Georgian two-storey Knocknanuss House, near Blackpool, which now stands empty after the death of its owner, and which should be listed and preserved, the authors say. Lindville House, also close to the city centre, lies empty as well, and is another fine building they believe should be listed. One that is listed but not properly cared for is the remains of the 15th century Red Abbey Tower near Douglas Street, which is in danger from vandals. Once part of a medieval Augustinian settlement, it is the oldest building in the urban area. Tellingana House, a derelict Regency mansion, also close to the city, at Ballintemple, is another example of a historic building which has run down. Its fate depends on an appeal to An Bord Pleanala. The Church of Ireland church of Saint Nicholas, which has changed ownership several times since its deconsecration in 1999, is now unused and showing signs of neglect, the authors say, adding that although the corporation's intention is to preserve "this exquisite southside church", there are grounds for concern as to its future.
The authors spent hundreds of hours at their own expense preparing this free booklet, which will be available to schools, Government departments, conservationists and planners.
They have included in it commercial buildings with a largely ignored historic past which may be in danger of demolition as Cork city continues to expand. In the introduction, they applaud Cork Corporation for its conservation project at Fenn's Quay, which has given new life to an early 18th-century terrace, and at Saint Peter's Church in the inner city, which is now the Cork Vision Centre.
But they warn: "It is in the public's best interest to be aware of how the city is expanding and changing. New developments should not be an expression of the egotism of a few, but a sympathetic fusion of the contemporary with the older buildings that are visible links to the city's proud heritage."