Massive redevelopment plans approved for courthouse in Offaly

OFFALY County Council has given the go-ahead for the redevelopment of Birr Courthouse, a project which will cost €2 million.

During their October monthly meeting the Councillors looked over the Heritage Masterplan provided by Dublin architectural firm Hayley Hayes Cooney as part of the Part 8 Planning Application process.

Cllr Peter Ormond proposed that Planning Permission be given to the Part 8 Planning Application. His proposal was seconded by Cllr John Clendennen. Cllr Ormond said it was great to see this important project being given Planning Permission.

“This important, prominent building in Birr is in danger of becoming derelict, something which no one wants to see. It was a courthouse for two centuries, until 2013 when the Courts Service moved the District and Circuit Court sittings to Tullamore. It was a sad day when that happened. Therefore it's fantastic to see this rejuvenation project now going ahead,” he said.

Cllr Ormond said a local group had worked on this project with great determination over the last 11 years. “The fact we are now at this stage is a great testament to them. I want to say well done to Birr 20:20 and its subcommittee which has stuck to its task through the years. Today is a really good day.”

He said the next stages in the process will be obtaining the Fire Cert and Accessibility Cert and seeking funding under the Rural Regeneration Fund from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Cllr John Leahy also praised Birr 20:20 and all associated with the project. “It's great to see it at this stage,” he remarked.
Cllr Seán Maher congratulated Offaly Heritage Officer Amanda Pedlow “and her team for bringing it to this stage. When redeveloped it will be a big asset for Birr. I want to add though that I do have a concern about the road situation on the N52 outside the building when the work is completed, and I think that for safety reasons there will need to be a pedestrian crossing created there.”

Cllr Clendennen commented that an “awful lot of work has gone into this very important project. Well done to everyone. This landmark building in the town was constructed about 1810 and was over 200 years in operation. Unfortunately it has been lying idle for over a decade.

"At this juncture I want to also mention Birr Boxing Club. Birr Boxing Club are seeking a new home. It had been hoped they could go into the Courthouse. Unfortunately this idea was turned down. We should do what we can to assist the Club in finding a new home.”

Director of Services Ann Dillon told the meeting that ownership of the Courthouse transferred from the OPW to the County Council in 2021.

“A few years ago €200,000 was invested to deal with a roof and water ingress problem and a problem with some of the windows and doors," she said.

“The proposal for the premises contains adaptable meeting rooms, a two storey fire escape at the back, shed with solar panels and a car park to the rear of the building.

"Birr 20:20 have been liaising with local creative groups with the aim of it being an Arts Hub. An Taisce has looked over the architects' Part 8 submission and have commented favourably on it. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has welcomed the architects' report, pointing out that the redevelopment proposals will be in accordance with the building's location in a heritage town.”

A statement issued and signed by Amanda Pedlow, Heritage Officer, Lorraine Mitchell, Senior Planner, and Ann Dillon pointed out that the Courthouse is a protected structure and the architects' planning submission is consistent with the County Development Plan and “the Council Executive's recommendation is that it proceeds as set out.”

They said the refurbishment will provide multipurpose spaces, offices and meeting rooms.

They pointed out that the building is a “detached five-bay two-storey castellated courthouse, built early 1800s with gabled breakfronts to end bays.

The plans proposed by Birr 20:20 Vision CLG are to re-use it as a multi-purpose community space, a digital/connected hub, as well as for arts and culture purposes. Offaly County Council commissioned a conservation master plan for the Courthouse. This was supported under the Offaly Heritage Plan 2017 to 2021 (Heritage Council funding) with a contribution from Creative Ireland funding. Offaly County Council are examining all options for funding to continue the works at Birr Courthouse and are working with Birr 20:20 group in this process. It is estimated that close to €2 million is needed to bring the Courthouse to a usable condition.”

The executive said it had been proposed to locate the Boxing Club to the rear of the building, but it was found that the space wasn't large enough for the club in this part of the premises. “There was not sufficient area to provide a modern facility,” they said.

Ms Dillon told the meeting that three submissions had been made on the planning application, from Birr 20:20 Vision Ltd, An Taisce and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, all of which were positive. An Taisce said it considered the application “to be a national exemplar in the new use of an historic courthouse”. The Department of Housing said the project “is a good example of and appropriate reuse of a key, underutilised building, within a historic town centre, respecting the character of the building, the interiors and the area and successfully dealing with accessibility and energy efficiency issues.”