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.
Lumley was a volunteer with An Taisce for many years before becoming its heritage officer around 2000,[1] 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.[2] Described in the Irish Times as "one of Ireland's most courageous guardians of the built and natural environment",[1] Lumley has focused his approach on using legal tools and processes to address developments of concern.[1]
Lumley has also worked as director of projects with the Dublin Civic Trust[3] and held a senior role with the Spitalfields Historic Buildings Trust in London.[3] Much of Lumley's work, even in formal roles, has been unpaid.[4]
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.[5] He partnered with a developer to restore another property on Henrietta Street, partly funded by short-let accommodation.[4]