Frustration as master plan for prominent site in Offaly is still not available

THE councillors of Birr Municipal District voiced their frustration last week when they were told that the proposed Masterplan for the Rectory Field in Birr has been delayed.

Cllr John Carroll told the meeting that he was “disappointed” that the Rectory Masterplan isn't yet ready.

“The Rectory Field is such an important piece of land in the town because it could provide essential new housing and commercial developments.”

Cllr John Clendennen agreed. He said mention of building houses on the Field was first mentioned a few years ago and the project is moving too slowly. “It's regrettable that we haven't advanced beyond this,” he remarked.

Cllr Peter Ormond said people in Birr are crying out for houses at the moment and therefore housing development on the Field is “essential.” 

The councillors made their comments during discussion of the town's draft Local Area Plan.

In early 2020 it was announced that the HSE was thinking of constructing a Primary Care Centre on the field, but this project has since moved to land behind the Outdoor Education Centre.

A consultancy team led by landscape architects and urban designers at The Paul Hogarth Company in Belfast has been working for just under a year with Offaly County Council to develop a masterplan for the Rectory lands. The company previously worked with Offaly County Council to develop the award-winning 2009 Birr Public Realm Plan. The masterplan will focus on the development of potential projects and land use in addition to integrating the area with the wider public realm.

 The large undeveloped greenfield site is surrounded by the historic town centre and sits in very close proximity to key heritage assets such as John’s Hall, John’s Mall and St Brendan’s Church, while the site itself is home to mature trees, hedgerows and well-preserved stone walls.