Gordon Murray and Alan Dunlop's proposals for Sligo, their first buildings in Ireland, are now in jeopardy as Sligo Council voted to put Teeling House back on the list of protected structures.

Their contemporary design for new residential and commercial premises included proposals for the demolition of Teeling House, a building which sits next to Sligo Courthouse. Teeling House was built in 1820 but of which very little historical information exists. In October, it was removed from the proposed list of protected structures by council vote, leaving the way clear for the new development. However it was clear that many local politicians and the heritage group An Taisce were unhappy with the decision.

At the Council meeting on the Monday 8th, it was put back on the proposed list of protected structures. The Council vote was split until the chief planner read out a document. This document was unknown to the architects and their client, Mr Louis Doherty despite an exhaustive search of the town's museums and planning archives, and detailed the building's importance to Sligo. Afterwards the Chairman used his casting vote in favour of retention.

In an interview with Paul Clerkin of Archeire, Alan Dunlop said "It's a devastating blow and now puts the whole project at risk. Dunlop went on to add "we feel terribly sorry for our client who has spent a great deal getting a first rate project for Sligo started and disappointed for the town because it looks as though it will now miss out on major investment and a loss of new jobs"

Gordon Murray and Alan Dunlop Architects are an architectural practice based in Glasgow, Scotland specialising in architecture, urban design, and conservation. In July they were awarded the Special Award by the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland for the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow.