In 2012, the museum began a fundraising campaign to expand and develop the site, under the auspices of the Office of Public Works. In December 2013, An Bord Pleanála voted 5 to 3 in favour of the plan, granting planning permission with a number of conditions. The plans include demolition of the original synagogue at numbers 3 and 4 Walworth Road, as well as the demolition of 3 houses at numbers 5 to 7 Walworth Road, a 6-metre basement excavation, and construction of a facsimile 19th century facade. Taoiseach Enda Kenny supported the plan, describing it as an "exciting project... for the regeneration of the city”. The plans were criticised by some local residents, councillors, and architects. 25 formal objections were submitted, citing facadism, destruction of the original synagogue, and lack of public engagement as the main reasons for opposition. See also History of the Jews in Ireland References External links An article about the proposed expansion of the Irish Jewish Museum, from 2013, with photographs The Irish Jewish Museum on visitdublin.com, the official tourist website News item about Dermot Ahern's visit Jewish museums Jews and Judaism in Dublin (city) Museums established in 1985 Museums in Dublin (city) Synagogues in the Republic of Ireland Synagogues preserved as museums 1985 establishments in Ireland