Sir, - In response to the report by Frank McDonald entitled "An Taisce opposes Presbyterian church demolition" (August 3rd, 1999), may I point out that no congregation has been worshipping at the old Sandymount church for over 20 years. Serious consideration was given to converting the church building into modern accommodation but abandoned because of two professional reports. The following is part of a statement from the church architects:
"As long ago as 1991 this firm explored the possibilities of converting the old buildings into practical modern accommodation, not only to find that they were impossible to adapt successfully, but that the stone veneered brick walls were riddled with dry rot fungus. The Presbyterian Church cannot be expected to maintain a useless shell indefinitely. It was therefore with great regret that it was decided that it should be demolished and the land put to the best possible use."
The same report refers to the proposed buildings behind the church in Adelaide Road closing the vista from Earlsfort Terrace. Since the front portico and railings of the church will remain as they are at present and the proposed new buildings will not be higher than the present facade, it is hard to see how the vista from Earlsfort Terrace could be affected.
The difficult decisions taken with regard to these buildings have been taken responsibly, bearing in mind the future needs of a worshipping congregation, service to the community and where possible the architectural heritage. To suggest that the Presbyterian Church has a "scorched earth" policy towards its stock of historic buildings is inaccurate. - Yours, etc.,
Rev Alan Martin, Former Clerk, Dublin and Munster Presbytery, Dublin 16.