Construction Ireland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
28/07/2008

'Hideous' Finance Building Vies For Global Award

A Dublin government building has been submitted for an international architectural prize.

The office block, once branded 'hideous' by actor Gabriel Byrne, houses the Department of Finance on Merrion Row, and is one of a series of Irish projects, by nine homegrown architects, entered into the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Two Northern Ireland projects have also secured a place in the final, with Derry's An Gaelaras and the deconstruction process of the Maze prison site representing the Province.

The Dublin entrant, designed by Grafton Architects, is six-stories of office space, and has already been the recipient of a prestigious Royal Institute of the Architects award.

-- Advertisement --

Hollywood star Byrne was so enraged by the Department of Finance building that he reportedly vented his frustrations directed to the architects.

The actor said the structure, launched earlier this year, was inappropriate due to its proximity to an historic cemetery and other buildings.

Northern Ireland contingent An Gaelaras was designed by O'Donnell and Tuomey.

The Derry Irish language centre was praised for its use of light in the central area of the building.

Irish Arts Minister Martin Cullen said the country's architects are leading the way on the global design stage.

The Minister said: "I welcome the fact that an international audience will experience Ireland and some of our leading creative talents through this exhibition."

Culture Ireland’s Chief Executive Eugene Downes said the exhibition is a showcase for Irish talent.

"It is a great example of a truly global showcase for Irish artistic talent, and is a priority initiative for Culture Ireland," said Mr Downes.

"This year's line-up looks formidable and we wish all the participants success," he added.

The 11th International Architecture Exhibition will take place from September 14 to November 23.

(PR/JM)

Latest Construction News

15/11/2024

An emergency road closure has been announced following serious structural integrity concerns of the former Antrim Arms Hotel building on Castle Street in Ballycastle. Following genuine fears surrounding the safety of the building's structure, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have ...
15/11/2024

A pre-design public consultation for the Dublin-based College Green - Dame Street Public Realm Project has been launched. The proposal to remodel College Green and Dame Street is a joint initiative by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority. The project aims to transform Dublin's ...
15/11/2024

A new plan which aims to fill vacant homes and revitalise derelict buildings has been proposed by Ireland's Green Party. The Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill put forward by the party aims to establish a single permitting system for fire, accessibility and planning in a one-stop-shop for ...
15/11/2024

Works will begin next week to provide a more reliable water supply in County Kildare, Uisce Éireann has announced. The improvements, which will take place in Allenwood, will also target the reduction of high levels of leakage. GMC Utilities Group are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce ...
15/11/2024

Essential wastewater improvements being made to the North Street area in Carrickfergus are set to be completed on Friday, November 22, NI Water has announced. Further works will recommence to the area on January 6, after the busy Christmas period. The work is part of a major investment to improve ...
15/11/2024

A forthcoming road closure in Wicklow has been announced by the County Council ahead of essential roadworks which are suspected to last a week. The closure will impact the L-69052 road in Arklow and will take place on the junction of the L2901, Laffin's Lane and The Brook, from Monday, November ...
14/11/2024

A L'Derry park was visited by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs yesterday following the completion of extensive works. Manor Park in Moneymore welcomed Minister Andrew Muir MLA, who made the trip to see the result of extensive works which totalled £260,000. The ...
14/11/2024

A Railway Order planning application will be made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) regarding the major Luas Finglas project. The application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála on Monday, November 18, while the public can make submissions about the proposed light rail line from November ...
14/11/2024

A new €8.8 million social housing scheme officially launched in County Louth recently. The Ferrard Park development in Drogheda contains 28 new houses which were acquired by Louth County Council from CFS Homes for tenants from the council's social housing waiting list. The houses, which include a ...
14/11/2024

A number of projects across Wicklow aimed at addressing the negative impacts of climate change have received a significant cash boost. Wicklow County Council and The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications announced an allocation of €675,574.33 to 20 community groups across the ...
Pro Roofers GalwayBrady Insurance Services LtdTipperary Crane HireActive Electrical LTDBuilders FortSolar Energy PLCClean Solar Solutions IrelandTapco Roofing ProductsDerrypark Construction LtdGreen City Paving & Landscaping
Terms and Conditions
2024/11/16 06:51:25