Social housing for former Belvedere Orphanage

Five social housing units at the former Belvedere Orphanage Matron’s House in Tyrrellspass have been given the go-ahead by Westmeath County Council. Two of the units will be in the Matron’s House and the rest in a courtyard configuration to its rear.

The Matron’s House was built c.1840 and although it is not a listed building, it is recorded as being of regional historic importance.

It is a detached three-bay, two-storey house on an L-shape plan. It is owned by the council and is not currently in use.

In a report presented to councillors at the July meeting, it was pointed out that the proposed development would bring a derelict site back into use, and would reduce pressure on the council to build on greenfield sites and valuable agricultural land.

The plan is to convert the Matron’s House into two two-bedroom dwelling units.

The other three units, one one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units, will be arranged in the courtyard to the rear of the site.

Presenting the plan, chief executive Barry Kehoe said the building was “not in great condition” and would need work to bring it back into use.

He referred to the significant section in the report on the heritage of the Matron’s House and modifications proposed to protect it.

Conservation architects will be involved at various stages of the development, he said.

Cllr Liam McDaniel proposed that the development go ahead, though he was anxious that the privacy of adjoining residences be maintained during construction.

Mr Kehoe assured Cllr McDaniel that appropriate boundary treatment would ensure the privacy of the adjoining residences, and agreed to revert to him on the treatment proposed.

The proposal was unanimously adopted by the council.