David Griffin explores the architectural history of the Parliament House and its transformation from place of legislature to commerce, while John Mulcahy considers the recent proposal to convert the landmark building into a cultural space
In February 1729, the foundation stone of the new Dublin Parliament House was laid to a design by Edward Lovett Pearce (d.1733). This magnificent building, one of the great treasures of Irish and European architecture was the first purpose-built bicameral assembly in Europe. Occupied today by the Bank of Ireland on College Green, it has been the subject of much media speculation and discussion in recent months. Standing on the site of Chichester House where parliament first met in 1661, a committee was appointed in late 1727 to examine its condition which had caused concern over the years, and following their advice it was decided to demolish the building and build a new parliament house on the same site and adjoining land. In October 1731 the building was sufficiently complete for Parliament to meet in their chambers.
Ireland’s most highly regarded architectural émigré is the subject of a new publication and a USA-based exhibition; Ellen Rowley looks at his legacy