An Bord Pleanála allows redevelopment of former Dundalk orphanage

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission with revised conditions, for a development at the former St. Joseph's Female Orphanage & Industrial School and St Malachy's Convent, at Seatown Place, Castle Street, Dundalk, into a new apartment complex.

Louth County Council had granted conditional planning permission to Mr Laurence Tuite for a development consisting of the conservation, extension and change of use of the former orphanage in Dundalk.

An appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála by Elaine and Thomas Gilsenan and others in December 2022 against the decision by the local authority.

The original planned development comprises the complete restoration and refurbishment of the two protected structures to the front of the site; the demolition of the existing gymnasium, classroom, laundry and workshop building to the rear of the property at Castle Street; and the development of 58 apartments in two blocks, 31 apartments in one block, and 27 apartments in another.

The former St Joseph's Female Orphanage & Industrial School is a protected structure, listed in the local authority's Record of Protected Structures as RPS D290, and St. Malachy's Convent is also protected structure, (RPS D292). Both are located in an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA).

A number of submissions had been made against the original planning application, with reasons for objecting to the development including traffic impact and safety considerations, car parking provision and waste management. Louth County Council granted planning permission on 4 November for the development, subject to 14 conditions.

An Bord Pleanála made the decision to grant planning permission for the development, with revised conditions on 5 April.