The Irish Times

Liberty Hall

A decision on whether to demolish Liberty Hall and replace it with new premises or to keep the existing structure is to be taken by Siptu in the autumn. The union has begun an extensive consultation with members on what to do with the landmark 15-storey building, which is in need of refurbishment. It is considering options which include having the building refitted, sold or demolished. Even minimal refurbishment, the union says, would cost several million euro and would involve the premises being empty for up to two years. A decision is to be taken at the October meeting of the union's national executive council. The 40-year-old building, in Dublin's city centre, is one of the tallest in the Republic and is on a site which has had associations with the labour movement since 1912. Siptu owns the premises and has had its headquarters there since the early 1990s, when it was formed through the merger of the ITGWU and the FWUI unions. In a booklet circulated to members, the union says the building is no longer the "magnificent" structure it was when opened in 1965: "It can no longer meet the needs of the membership, nor the demands that reorganisation will place on Siptu in the 21st century." The booklet invites submissions from members on what should be done with the building. A committee, comprising senior union officials and external advisers, has already recommended three main "affordable choices".