Approval for ramp at ’Comer post office

A WHEELCHAIR ramp is due to be installed at the Castlecomer post office as part of its rebuilding efforts following the criminal raid involving a JCB there last October.

Planning permission for the ramp has been approved by Kilkenny County Council.

“At present the post office has a single-step entry into a draught lobby and this proposal is attempting to provide level access to the premises by means of a wheelchair-accessible ramp,” the planning file explains about the proposed work to the protected structure.

“This post office was the subject of severe criminal damage last autumn, resulting in the central ground-floor window and masonry above being pulled out. In addition, a section of low boundary wall in front of this window was damaged. This central window and surrounding masonry were re-instated in early October as an emergency measure in consultation with the conservation officer.

“However, the opportunity now arises to install an accessible ramp in conjunction with the reinstatement of the low boundary wall. The proposal consists of returning the re-instated wall into the front wall of the building closer to the central window.”