We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
THE ARTS COUNCIL has objected to plans by Bus Éireann to bring the curtains down permanently on the Eblana Theatre as part of its plans to move its headquarters to Dublin’s central bus station at Busáras from its current base in Broadstone.
Planners in Dublin City Council have also expressed concern at the potential loss of the theatre which is located in the basement of Busáras and claim Bus Éireann has provided no justification for the removal of such a cultural facility.
The famous Michael Scott-designed building on Store Street is set for a series of internal changes including the conversion of the Eblana Theatre into a new training centre under plans drawn up for Bus Éireann by the architectural firm run by well-known TV presenter and architect, Dermot Bannon.
However, the Arts Council claims the proposal could result in the permanent loss of the original use and architectural character of the Eblana Theatre which has been closed since 1995.
Arts Council director, Maureen Kennelly, said the proposed development by Bus Éireann “does not take sufficient account of the historic and cultural status of the building and its place in Irish architecture culture.”
Kennelly claimed the Eblana Theatre was of “architectural value as a unique example of Irish modernism within an iconic Irish modernist building”, although she acknowledged that it was currently “in poor repair and not in use.”
She claimed the Arts Council was making a submission on Bus Éireann’s planning application because it had a specific interest in the works of 20th-century Irish architects and works of architecture with certain buildings considered “part of our creative and cultural heritage”.
Kennelly said the submission was being made in the context that some buildings had “value and meaning to society beyond their function or economic value.”
The Arts Council noted that Busáras is rated as a building of international status by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage which described it as “widely considered the building that announced the arrival of international modernism in Ireland.”
Kennelly said the proposed architectural redesign significantly altered the original layout, architectural form, character and quality of the space housing the theatre.
She claimed Busáras already had “a history of inappropriate small changes” with which the current proposal could have a cumulative negative impact on a unique building.
Busáras – otherwise known as Áras Mhic Dhiarmada which is also home to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection – was built between 1947 and 1953. It is one of the first major works of modern architecture in post-war Europe and one of the first modern buildings to integrate art and architecture with its interior containing mosaics by the artist, Patrick Scott.
Michael Scott’s vision for Busáras as a major civic building included plans for a nightclub on the top floor as well as a newsreel cinema, a crèche and a barber’s.
A conservation report noted the Eblana Theatre was effectively locked in a “time capsule” with unopened soft drink bottles in the bar area and a poster for the play “Goodbye to the Hill” at the entrance.
Under the latest plans, the current left luggage areas in the basement of Busáras will be converted into a staff gym and changing rooms, while there will be new staff offices on the ground floor and the mezzanine level will operate as the new headquarters office for Bus Éireann.
Amid concerns about the proposed development, Dublin City Council has sought further information from Bus Éireann about the project and asked the State bus company to provide justification for the loss of the Eblana Theatre as a cultural facility.
Council planners noted the Dublin City Development Plan provides that the local authority will protect as far as possible the cultural and artistic use of buildings in established cultural quarters.
However, they also acknowledged that Bus Éireann’s overall plans were welcome in principle as the building had suffered from poor maintenance and inappropriate and insensitive alterations, while some elements appeared dilapidated.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Why was the theatre closed in 1995? I didn’t even know it existed.
So there is an unused closed theatre and we should be lamenting its loss? If nothing has been done in 27 years then I don’t think people really give a damn. I had never even heard of it
@Jj: I don’t like to say it, but most people will most likely miss the left luggage area more keenly.
@Jj: Look, I love Dublin’s theatres. I still miss Andrew’s Lane Theatre. But you’d have to ask, what were the previous generation of planners doing when the Eblana was closed 26 years ago?
Not much point in asking the Arts Council or Bus Éireann to have done something about reviving and reopening it when it was closed up last century.
@Jj:
Something in a different sphere, is to do one thing well. If making a better bus depot, I see not much reason to need to cater to some failed theatre.
Why is it that so much of the ‘news’ these days warrants an “Oh FFS” eye roll?
@Stuart Lawn: Oh FFS stocks and sales are through the roof
From the 1960s up to the 80s the Eblana was a lively hub of theatrical activity of all sorts with some class productions. part of its decline in popularity was due to the deterioration of the area around the bus station itself. I’m not sure at this stage it’s worth anyone pushing for preservation of the venue – the Abbey/Peacock is down the road with better facilities. With theatre spaces now in outer Dublin (Viking, Clontarf, Draiocht, Blanchardstown and Civic, Dundrum for example) closer to where people live and with car parking available it might makes sense to support/develop them and existing City Centre theatres than bemoan the loss of a space that hasn’t been used for over 25 Years.
The loss of Andrews Lane was of far greater importance in every way. We should have protested then.
Would be apt to have been shown Waiting for Godot in that theatre especially with my history of waiting for phantom buses.
It smelt of pi$$ why’d want to keep it
What’s the plan for the old Broadstone site, so?
@Fiona Fitzgerald: Broadstone has been given a massive renovation job over the last few years and is a Dublin bus hub depot. They might be getting rid of bus Éirinn so they have more room for themselves.
@bazhealy: Thanks for that.
These arts council types clearly have too much time in their hands.
Busáras minus a secure left luggage facility and minus the long gone Eblana theatre is a case of functional inhospitality. The WC arrangements have been another source of public unhappiness.
Yay Dermot Bannon & 50 Shades of White.
Here we are again! If it has architectural character, ask for it to be incorporated into the design and then go away!! I am absolutely sick of constant rejections and refusals of planning permission in Ireland. There should be a fee to put in a rejection, and a high one, and the planning rules need to be reformed ASAP. Again, no politician, in any party, gives a toss.
have your say