Ian Lumley

Ian Lumley (born 1958) is an Irish conservationist, who has notably served with An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland over an extended period, principally as its heritage officer, and latterly as one of its three senior managers, as head of advocacy.

Early life
Ian Lumley was born in Waterford in 1958.

Conservation work
Lumley was a volunteer with An Taisce for many years before becoming its heritage officer around 2000, and in 2023 taking up the new post on a rationalised senior management team of three, as "head of advocacy", overseeing the organisation's work on planning and policy. Described in the Irish Times as "one of Ireland's most courageous guardians of the built and natural environment", Lumley has focused his approach on using legal tools and processes to address developments of concern.

Lumley has also worked as director of projects with the Dublin Civic Trust and held a senior role with the Spitalfields Historic Buildings Trust in London. Much of Lumley's work, even in formal roles, has been unpaid.

Personal life
In 1982, Lumley purchased a house on Henrietta Street in Dublin, a street of substantially intact Georgian buildings, and worked on its restoration over many years. His kitchen was used as a television scene in the series Penny Dreadful. He partnered with a developer to restore another property on Henrietta Street, partly funded by short-let accommodation.