land-swap deal

HARCOURT TERRACE – CHARLEMONT PLACE 11 FEBRUARY 2024

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When I checked online I discovered that Educate Together National School will be moving into a brand new school building at the former site of the Harcourt Terrace Garda station in September 2024. The site comprises the former Garda Station and Irish Film Censor Building, overlooking the Grand Canal. I do not know if the school will occupy the complete complex or if there is also commercial office space onsite.

Winner of competition to design a New Urban Primary School at Harcourt Terrace announced

In 2005 the Government had already decided the gardai [Irish police] should vacate Harcourt Terrace by July of that year, although a firm decision had not yet been taken on where the staff should be relocated. At the time Harcourt Terrace covered the St Stephen’s Green area and busy shopping and entertainment areas such as Wexford Street and South Great George’s Street. However, things did not go according to plan.

In 2012 the Irish Times reported that the Commercial Court had awarded the damages to Durkan New Homes, after the State failed to honour an agreement to hand over Harcourt Terrace Garda Station in Dublin as part of a land-swap deal. As part of a government programme Durkan built 215 affordable homes for first-time buyers during the height of the boom. It did so in return for getting possession of the garda station and the adjoining film censor’s office.

The building was officially described as follows: “This well-composed Garda station was built to a standard design by the Office of Public Works in 1948. Constructed during the Modernist era, it exhibits characteristic elements such as a horizontal emphasis. However, it is conservative in the Georgian influence evident in the design, as exemplified by its classically-influenced symmetry. Adherence to tradition is also apparent in the use of red brick and cut stone dressings. Carved stone and moulded render dressings articulate the façade, and enhance the external expression of the composition. The carved doorcase forms part of and entrance piece which provides an attractive focal point to the facade. Although its original function ceased when it was closed in 2012, the building continues to be a prominent and compelling feature at this canal-side corner.”

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