Re: Submission to Public Consultation for the Carlow Development Plan, Proposed Removal of Structures from the Record of Protected Structures.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you in relation to a pair of derelict 19th century structures that stand on the east side of Shamrock Square, at the junction of Barrack Street, Tullow Street, Staplestown Road, Pollerton Road and Green Lane, in Carlow Town. These structures were included in the Record of Protected Structures due to their well-preserved Victorian shopfronts, (RPS Nos. CT 93 and CT 94). As discussed in the attached Heritage Assessment Report,the structures were probably built around 1830-1840, with the shopfronts added during the second half of the 19th century.
Both of the subject structures were heavily damaged in a fire in 2008, and have since become extremely ruinous and structurally unstable. To illustrate the current conditions of the structures, I attach the MESH Architects Heritage Assessment Report, and a structural assessment report prepared by Martin Peters, structural/civil engineer.
The properties are under new ownership, and preplanning discussions have taken place with officials in Carlow County Council, in relation to possible redevelopment of the site. As a result of those discussions, it was suggested that a request to remove the derelict structures from the RPS would be appropriate.
Our client has therefore requested that MESH Architects lodge a submission to the Carlow Development Plan process, to request that both structure be removed from the Record of Protected Structures.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Thomas C. McGimsey, MRIAI,
MESH Architects