File 2 - Áras an Uachtaráin building, grounds and renovations 1991

66pp

Material relating to Áras an Uachtaráin (Áras) and surrounding grounds, 1991, including renovations and refurbishments required to make the Áras inhabitable and functional for all those living and working there, and opening it up to visitors through the development of a visitors’ centre. It includes handwritten letter from Eddie [McPartland, Irish architectural historian and co-founder along with Nick Robinson (NR) of what is now the Irish Architectural Archive] offering assistance; drawings from Caterers' Equipment of proposed Kitchen layouts, 10/04/1991 and architectural drawings for stable block with visitors' entrance, and basement with display area and audio visual room, by Office of Public Works (OPW); copies of typed report to President Mary Robinson (MR) from Michael Rosney M.I.H.C.I. [surveyor?], following visit to Áras an Uachtaráin (Áras) on 8th December 1990, giving observations and recommendations covering safety, structure, operation including that MR call on services of CERT to carry out an "in-depth analysis of the entire operation", [01?]/1991; draft report on the building and its potential with notation (from NR?), 20/01/1991; OPW Condition Report of Áras an Uachtaráin, March 1991, covering all areas (State, Private, Service, Secretariat, Army, Storage, Unused, Circulation), and covering condition of electrics, and issues of security; list of jobs and repairs required for SDU Drivers Quarters, prepared by Mary Darling for Bride Rosney, which was then sent to NR, 24/02/1991 [The Special Detective Unit (SDU) is the main domestic security agency of the Garda Síochána, the national police force of Ireland, under the aegis of the Crime & Security Branch]; correspondence from John Cornforth [architectural historian, author, and architectural editor of Country Life 1967-1977] to NR on his views of what needs to be done with Áras including recognising historic importance of building, and how to approach furnishings and decor, and noting that certain work being carried is for the good of the building and should not be changed from President to President (he uses example of 10 Downing Street, London), with handwritten notes from NR, 07/03/1991; correspondence between Mr W Harold Clarke, Chairman, Eason & Son Ltd., and NR relating to invite from Clarke to NR to produce booklet on Áras an Uachtaráin, and NR declining since one was under way by Freddie O'Dwyer, OPW; 25/02-08/03/1991; photocopy of letter to MR from Charles Clements, which was passed to NR since it gave details about Clements' ancestor, Nathaniel Clements, a ranger in Phoenix Park from 1748-1777, who built the house which eventually became the Áras, 21/03/1991; typed memo to MR from Peter Ryan (PR), Secretary to the President, on meeting of the Ad Hoc Group on Improvements to the Áras, 27/03/1991, and on solutions to staff accommodation problems following discussion he had with Liam Egan, Architect and Director of Maintenance, OPW, 15/04/1991; typed correspondence between PR and MR, and between PR and Barry Murphy, commissioner, OPW, on improvements to Áras, a revised draft report, a proposal to divide the report and the implementation of urgent works, 15/05/1991; correspondence between Séamas Ó hEocha, Decorative Plaster Restoration, NR and PR in relation to possibility of hiring him to restore ceilings at Áras, 10-19/06/1991.

Ref: P143/4/10/2

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