The Cloister, 49 Abbey St, Ennis Co. Clare

What’s proposed

to carry out the following development: The proposed works shall include for the following: 1) Change of use of the building from permitted multi-use community spaces including arts studios, classrooms, conference spaces, exhibition and heritage spaces, tourism space, kitchen/cafe, adopted under Part 8 Ref. No. 24-8016 to a new tourism experience building inclusive of exhibition space, community space, retail and offices. 2) New open plan entrance & arrivals courtyard on the western facing range to be created by demolishing the existing doorway, adjacent wall, first floor terrace & by lowering the parapet walls, The smooth plaster render is to be removed in this area only, to expose the buildings original construction. Proposed new floating metal canopy cover. 3) New visitor reception area, toilet block, office space, plant rooms and exhibition areas on the ground with new passenger lift to service all three floors. 4) First floor office and staff welfare area, meeting room, multi-purpose community and education room. 5) Attic/second floor storage areas and plant room. In accordance with the Habitats Directive, Appropriate Assessment Screening has been carried out on this project. The screening report accompanies the planning application. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening determination has been made and concludes that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development and an EIA is not required. This development proposes works to a protected structure, RPS No: 736 / NIAH No: 2000141 as noted in the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 Volume 4, and that is part of a National Monument No. 170 / RMP CL033-082001-Ennis Friary Complex