Plans To Demolish Rathdrum's Ardavon House Would Amount To Cultural Vandalism Say Locals

A heritage group in Rathdrum will petition the local community in a bid to safeguard the future of Ardavon House

Potential plans to demolish Ardavon House in Rathdrum would amount to ‘cultural vandalism’ according to a local community group.

The Rathdrum & District Heritage Association has responded to suggestions that Wicklow county council is considering the prospect of using the site for further parking.

It has long been identified by residents in the area as a community asset. The Heritage group will petition the local community in a bid to safeguard the future of the building dating back to 1860's.

Its spokesperson Laurie Kearon has told East Coast FM that they are very unhappy at the potential for the building's demise:

''We would find this completely unacceptable and if they were consider demolishing the property we would consider it to be an act of cultural vandalism to be frank.''

However she says they are open to dialogue with Wicklow County Council in a bid to avert any potential demolition:

''You know in saying that we would work with Wicklow County Council to try and find a solution. We would just like the building either conserved or restored, maybe restored. It may be too far gone now, but either way we feel that there are components of that house which need to be preserved.''