Green light for 'centre of excellence' in Kilkenny

Permission has been granted to Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), subject to 18 conditions, to proceed with the change of use of the former Bank of Ireland building in Thomastown in County Kilkenny into a new ‘Centre of Excellence for Ceramics’.

The proposed works consist of conservation and restoration works to the original historic bank building to include: the refurbishment of existing windows and doors; the refurbishment of existing roof finishes; the refurbishment of historic ceilings; refurbishment works to the existing façade including re-painting works; and the provision of a new ground floor structure and finishes.

Minor internal alterations to existing walls and doors are also proposed to accommodate the proposed new use.

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Alterations to the existing single-storey flat roof extension to the rear and side of the building are proposed to include: the provision of a new pitched roof in part; internal alterations to accommodate the proposed new use; alterations to the Marsh’s Street elevation and the rear elevation; and the provision of new high performance glazing and doors.

Externally it is proposed to remove two single-storey external shed structures and replace with a new single-storey, pitched roof structure for the storage, preparation, and processing of materials, accessed via a covered walkway from the building and the existing vehicular entrance from Marsh’s Street.

A new pedestrian entrance and path is proposed from the rear public carpark to the building.

These plans were lodged to Kilkenny County Council back in September of last year, and were approved following a period of further information (and subject to conditions), on March 14, 2025.

There remains a possibility that the decision could be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

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