Former Parsonstown Union Workhouse, Birr, Co. Offaly

Detalhes

Location

This subject property is strategically located approx 1 km east of Birr town The site features a regular shape and fronts on towards an existing residential dwelling Both properties share an access road, providing excellent visibility along the R 440 road, which leads directly into the heart of Birr.

Currently, there is one designated access route to the site however, an exciting possibility exists to develop a second entrance on the front right side of the property, currently obstructed by a wall structure.

Birr is situated at the junction of cross country roads N 62 and N 52 and benefits from a central location These key connections link the town seamlessly to Tullamore, Roscrea, Nenagh, and major routes such as the N 6 and N 7.

Description

The property comprises a detached H plan multiple bay two storey workhouse that requires considerable restoration works and is situated on a site which extends to approx 1 83 Ha 4 52 Acre) which offers ample space for development purposes.

The property is located in an area zoned ‘Existing Residential’ under the Birr Local Area Plan 2023 – 2029 which is defined as to “protect and enhance the amenity and character of developed residential communities ..” A small portion along the western flank of the site is zoned ‘Open Space, Amenity and Recreation’, which is defined as to “protect and improve the provision, attractiveness, accessibility and amenity value of public open space, amenity and recreation.”

Within the Birr Local Area Plan 2023 – 2029 under ‘Built Heritage’ it notes that the workhouse has the potential to be restored for multiple uses Any future proposal for the Birr Workhouse shall involve consultation and engagement with Offaly County Council and shall consider all sources of funding.