Decision to allow redevelopment of former orphanage in Dundalk goes to appeal

The decision to grant planning permission for a development at the former St. Joseph's Female Orphanage & Industrial School and St Malachy's Convent, at Seatown Place, Castle Street, Dundalk, that would see the construction of 58 new apartments has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

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. 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).

The development would comprise 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.

A number of submissions had been made on the 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 appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála by Elaine and Thomas Gilsenan and others on 1 December against the decision by the local authority. The case is due to be decided by 14 April 2023.