The Irish Times

Residents and politicians reacted angrily to the demolition of a Presbyterian church in Dublin yesterday, which went ahead despite a last-minute plea by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. The disused church's owner, the Presbyterian Residential Trust, was accused by politicians and residents of "arrogance" and "vandalism" in demolishing the building at Tritonville Road, Sandymount There were emotional reactions from about 60 local people, politicians and heritage group members who met outside the 140-year-old building as the demolition began shortly before 10 a.m. yesterday.

Before yesterday's development, the Minister, Ms de Valera, had said the church was of architectural significance and professional advice available to her showed it could be restored. The trust has been granted planning permission by Dublin Corporation to demolish the building to construct 17 sheltered units for the elderly and eight two-bedroom private apartments. The trust already operates sheltered accommodation behind the church, which had not been used for 20 years and was not listed.