Coláiste Mhuire granted planning for gym building

It’s one of the most remarkable pieces of built heritage in a town dense with architectural wonders, and Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar have been granted planning permission to construct a modern gym within the school grounds.

In a historic sporting year for the school, the local authority have granted the board of management planning permission to construct a single-storey detached gym building and all associated site works in the parcel of land to the rear of the school.

Access to the gym will be through the existing school access road. The parcel of land contained amenity space associated with the school, including ball courts and pitches. The proposed gym building is located approximately 184 metres away from the protected structure which is the original building of Coláiste Mhuire, St Mary’s College (originally known as The Hevey Institute).

Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar is located within the building and site of the education institute established by 19th century philanthropist James Hevey, who left his land to the people of Mullingar.

The Hevey Trust, established in 1837 and in 1854, built the beautiful building on a site beside what was then the new railway line. Designed by esteemed architect John Bourke, it was built by Richard Davis using local wrought limestone and dressed with Tullamore limestone.

In their submission to the planners, the board of management of Coláiste Mhuire said the new gym building will not detract from the setting or status of the Hevey Institute. The existing Coláiste Mhuire school accommodation buildings provide an effective visual screen between the Hevey Institute and the proposed gym building.

The local authority granted permission subject to five conditions, including that the building is in accordance with the plans submitted; and that permission is of limited duration for five years from the date of the final grant of planning permission. On expiry of that period, the building will be removed from site unless its continued use has been authorised by a further planning permission.