Council plans for works at historic Tyrrellspass orphanage
Westmeath County Council have signalled their intention to undertake further works on property they own at the former Belvedere Protestant Children’s Orphanage.
The orphanage, or Belvedere Home, in Tyrrellspass had a Church of Ireland ethos. Built in 1842, it was founded as a charitable institution at the bequest of Jane, the Countess of Belvedere, who left £6,000 to set up the girls orphanage.
The property was sold to Westmeath County Council in 1986, but subsequently fell into decay. In the last two decades, the local authority have developed the properties.
Architectural firm de Blacam and Meagher undertook a restoration of the premises which was completed in 2006.
That project included the conversion to social housing of the five Tudor Revival style derelict orphanage buildings, which were partly reconstructed, extended, and restored to serve as energy-efficient social housing.
Modern utilities and sustainable heating systems were discreetly added while preserving the original character and protected structures, such as the matron’s house, walls, and gateway.
The firm received a Highly Commended award in the Heritage Category of the Opus Architecture and Construction Awards for the work.
The latest plans by the county council are for partial demolition of the existing Matron’s House including the legacy rear extensions, repair and protection of the existing front entrance porch, and the provision of new, part-single storey, part-two storey extension to the rear.
Other works will include alterations to the internal house layout to create two two-bedroom dwelling units, the construction of three single-storey universally accessible dwelling units (one one-bed) arranged in courtyard configuration to the rear of the site.
The plans cover the widening to the existing vehicular entrance including provision of five communal car park spaces, works to the existing site boundary conditions, and connections to the public infrastructure and all other associated development, site works and landscaping.
The proposed works are located within the Architectural Conservation Area (Tyrrellspass Town ACA). The proposed Part 8 development has undergone Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening under the Habitats Directive and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening.
The public can, within four weeks (and 9 days) from the date of the notice issued by the council, apply to An Coimisiún Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant effect on the environment.
Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for inspection on the Westmeath County Council Consultation Portal at consult.westmeathcoco.ie/browse and can be inspected or purchased at a fee at the offices of the Westmeath County Council, Áras An Chontae, Mount Street, Mullingar. Submissions or observations on the proposed development can also be made to the council.