DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL has said that it could only use cheaper imported granite  to fix footpaths in the capital because native stone was too expensive.

The council was responding to criticism from a letter sent by the national heritage board, An Taisce, which described the use of Chinese white granite as “downright embarrassing” for a city like Dublin.

Kevin Duff of An Taisce, who penned the letter, said that the cheaper stone “looks terrible” and, for him, represents a loss of quality within the council.

A before and after view of a footpath on Molesworth Street in Dublin, showing the use of Chinese granite in the second picture (pics courtesy of Kevin Duff)

“It looks absolutely terrible and is not something that you would see in other European cities.

It is a terrible drop in standards in a city that is trying to trade on its historic reputation.

“What we’re trying to do is ensure the heritage of the city is preserved.”

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said that the use of cheaper granite came about because of Department of Finance procurement rules.

“Dublin City Council has to adhere to the Department of Finance guidelines on procurement and it is only recently that Leinster granite became available at competitive prices. The Roads and Traffic Department are committed, where possible, to the use of Leinster Granite for the maintenance of areas of antique granite.”

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Photo: O’Connell Street as seen as from the top of the Spire