The Court: Previous status reports Status Report No. 7, June 2001

Three years have elapsed since Tennis and heritage concerns objected to a plan of the Office of Public Works (OPW), acting on behalf of Minister Sheila de Valera (Dept Arts, Heritage), to convert the court donated by the 2nd Earl of Iveagh in 1939, into a recital hall for use by the National Concert Hall (NCH).

Planning permission was granted by Dublin Corporation in Nov. '98 and upheld by the 'Planning Appeals Board' in June '99. In August '99, the IRTA gave notice of a legal challenge to that permission on a number of technical grounds. Very shortly after, the OPW undertook not to start work after the State Commissioners for Bequests raised its own legal concerns with the Attorney General.

High Court application for Judicial Review — Dublin, Dec. 12, 13, 14, 2000

This 'screening stage', before a full hearing can be granted, lasted an exceptional 3 days before Judge Andrias O'Caoimh. Colm MacEochaidh BL presented the IRTA case, which was vigorously opposed by OPW, Dublin Corporation, and the Planning Board. A decision has not yet been issued.

Government changes course on Recital Hall?

A major article in the Irish Times (June 16), based on Government documents released under the Freedom of Information Act, confirms a proposal of Min. de Valera to relocate the NCH 'in toto' to a new site, where "a second auditorium is urgently required". Further commentary is likely to follow on this significant announcement.

Irish Tennis in Print

Our efforts are mentioned (and indexed) quite factually in a chapter titled "New Horizons" of the NCH's recent glossy official history (Butler / O'Kelly). Australian enthusiast George Limb is preparing a book on his world-wide odyssey to all 47 courts, including Dublin and the island court at Lambay.

Mars Sports Show, Dublin — Oct. 2000

IRTA erected its timber replica half-court at this 3-day multi-sport promotion attended by 16,000 people. Take a bow all those who set-up, and manned the stand. Visitors included John Treacy (C.E.) and Peter Smyth (Secretary), of the Irish Sports Council.

Where to find us

• www.uscourttennis.com (see International)
• www.real-tennis.com [not linked — domain has fallen into disrepair 20070116]
• I.P.A. Yearbook, p.367

— Ted Neville