Fresh plans lodged in relation to prominent bank building in Kilkenny

Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) have lodged a fresh planning application to Kilkenny County Council for design amendments to a development previously granted planning permission at the former Bank of Ireland building, Market Street, Thomastown.

The previously approved demolition of two existing single-storey structures is no longer proposed; instead, these buildings are proposed to be retained and reused to accommodate the storage, preparation and processing of ceramics-related materials.

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The previously permitted pitched-roof structure and covered walkway are proposed to be amended to a lightweight timber-framed covered walkway connecting the outbuildings and the existing vehicular entrance on Marsh’s Street.

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

Decision due from Kilkenny County Council by April 8.

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Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) have stated previosuly that the prior granting of planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Bank of Ireland building in Thomastown into a ceramics school is a 'significant milestone'.

"This allows the ceramics school to move forward, which will host the DCCI Academy, in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU)," a DCCI spokesperson said.

Originally scheduled to commence in September 2025, the plans to deliver the new course faced unforeseen delays due to issues with the building planning permission application and process.

Speaking on the announcement, Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO of DCCI, described it as an exciting moment for design and craft education in Ireland.

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"The Thomastown Ceramics School will be a hub of creativity and innovation, providing students with world-class training in a historically significant building," she said.

"We are grateful for the community’s patience and support as we progressed through the planning phase."

Dr Paddy Tobin, Head of School of Design & Creative Arts at ATU commented that ATU are delighted to continue their strong partnership with DCCI in delivering exceptional higher education in craft and design.

"The new ceramics school in Thomastown represents a major investment in the future of Ireland’s creative industries and in practice-based educational provision," he said.

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