A former Tipperary gaol which has lain vacant and fallen into disrepair could be given a new lease of life as 11 apartments for older people.
Enda Gleeson has applied to Tipperary County Council for planning permission to turn the former Roscrea Gaol building and Temperance Hall buildings into apartments.
Under the plans, seven one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments would be created in the building, which would be used as age-friendly accommodation.
The building has been lying empty for a number of years, planning files show, last being used in 2004, when it was occupied by Youthreach Roscrea.
Planning files show that the council previously granted planning permission for the change of use of the building from educational to be used as a microbrewery.
“The works granted by the planning outlined above were commenced under the previous ownership however halted in the early strip-out stage as evident in the building’s current condition,” an agent acting on behalf of Mr Gleeson said.
The building has “suffered further deterioration as a result of the previously commenced strip out works,” they added.
Planning files state that a flat roof corridor between the Gaol block and the Temperance Hall buildings has become “structurally unsound, with the structure beginning to cave in places”.
“The commencement and halting of these previous works have left the building exposed in parts to the elements as well as significant vandalism. This has resulted in the loss of some notable historical architectural features previously identified in the previous application’s architectural heritage report and impact assessment,” they said.
As part of the plans, a landscaped courtyard will be developed as communal outdoor space for the residents, while two of the upstairs apartments in the Bridewell buiding will have balconies.
“It is hoped that the provision of high-quality age-friendly residential space to this building will ensure the survival and conservation of the protected structure on site,” the agent said.
“The proposals would bring much needed residential space to the town of Roscrea and utilise a structure which has otherwise sat vacant and in continuing state of dereliction for a significant amount of time.
“It is considered that the conversion and adaptation of this building to residential use provides a viable solution to the derelict structure given its prolonged vacancy and previously failed restoration under a different use,” they added.
Tipperary County Council is due to make a decision on the plans by October 21.
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