The Iveagh Gardens were given to the state by the 2nd Earl of Iveagh (Lord Iveagh) for the people of Ireland on the condition that they would not be built on and would be preserved intact as a 'lung' for the city. They are a protected structure, area of conservation (Z9) and a public park.

Part of The OPW's remit to the Gardens is to conserve 'a unique city centre park, which has remained largely unaltered since its layout by the landscape architect Ninian Niven'.

Incredibly an Bord Pleannala have granted permission for part of the Gardens to be used to accommodate a four story Children's Science centre.

The museum will be built at the East side of The Gardens where they adjoin the National Concert Hall. To facilitate it they will demolish the 140 year old wall, home to a bat population, fell the magnificent old trees and destroy wildlife habitat. This precious woodland area of the park will be covered over by a new plaza, concrete ramps and street lighting. The scale of the four story building will visually impact on the Gardens to such an extent that the unique nineteenth century walled garden character will be destroyed forever.

This goes against the OPW's own remit; 'to conserve the internal and perimeter vegetation to screen out adjacent office blocks and buildings'. This development which demonstrates such casual disregard for a heritage structure and treasured public park must not be allowed to go ahead.

We strongly disagree with the planning reports conclusion which states; “On balance, the new building and plaza would make a positive contribution to the public realm and the works would not affect the integrity of the Iveagh Gardens which is a Protected Structure.”

As well as the destruction of the Gardens there are also financial questions

as to who will fund the running of the museum. It will cost €3million a year yet so far no government department has accepted responsibility to fund it. Are we going to sacrifice a treasured public space for a large white elephant? We must not allow this expensive unwanted building plan to go ahead. Let the Ministers know that we want The Iveagh Gardens to remain intact, preserved and protected. Please sign and share this petition.