Extopia, so the best idea would be a drain below the level of dampcourse outside, digging up the floor and putting a waterproof membrane on it, and using damp coursing walls with electric charge method which repels water. I presume there would be no problem in putting back the original kitchen when the work is finished. Sorry, I have to put everything in layman's terms, as I find it all a bit mind boggling.
Liteweight, you're right about the kitchen being at the end of a long hallway and down steps. It is actually down three steps. There was a damp course in it originally, put in in 1989, but it seems to have been breached. I really don't know why the water table has risen -and I don't know how to find this out. I know the kitchen area doesn't comply with regulations, as in it is not suficienlty above the ground outside in the yard. There was nothing mymother could do about this at the time, as it would have meant altering the structure of the house, which is a listed building - plus the ceiling in the kitchen itself is actually quite low. Do you still think tanking would work?
I don't want to mention damp proofing specialist names. I have contacted one in Crumlin, and have the name of another in Blackrock (not Damp Store). Both are well known damp coursing specialists. Would either of you rater one of these above the other, or have any other recommendations.
Finally, what chance is there that the damp could affect the foundations. If I put in a waterproof membrane/tank and dig a drain outside, does that mean the water is still under the house? Any advice again appreciated. I find the whole thing confusing - it seems like I'm getting a crash course in building and damp proofing lingo!!