Mount Argus Gets Go-Ahead
7 Feb 1986SERVICE charges criticised as “penal” have been substantially reduced in a new grant outline permission for residential buildings on land owned by the Passionist Congregation at Mount Argus in Dublin.
A levy to cover the cost of surface drainage and landscaping around the River Poddle now stands at £250,000 but Fr. Brian D’Arcy of Mount Argus described the new permission as much better than the original.
The 12 acre stretch of land surrounds the church and monastery at Harold’s Cross, where Fr. D’Arcy has spearheaded a fund-raising campaign recently to repaid and restore the buildings. So far, the restoration fund has raised nearly £900,000 he said, but efforts are continuing to bring in badly needed money for the costly work of treating dry rot and replacing whole segments of the buildings.
Originally estimated to cost £1.1million three years ago the repair is now expected to cost nearer £1.5 million and much of it remains to be done. Fr. D’Arcy said that around £1.3million had been spent already. Lead was stolen from the church roof for example, adding to the dry rot problem by allowing damp to seep into the building. All plaster had to be replaced on the walls inside and work cost £650,000.
With the new grant of permissions for developments on none out of the 12 acres, the way is now open to sell the land as originally planned, to raise money for the current restoration and support of the monastery. The planning go-ahead for over200 flats and 71 houses was granted to Monte Argentina Trust with represents the Passionists.
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