Athy creche to expand into listed building

AN award-winning childcare facility in Athy has been given permission to expand into the Model School stable buildings, previously used for residential accommodation.

Tír na nÓg Early Years Care and Montessori is based adjacent to this protected structure at Model Court on the Geraldine Road, and originally submitted its plans for the expansion last November.

Because these buildings are on the County Council’s Protected Structure Register having been commenced just before the Famine in 1845 and opened in 1850, the Montessori had to present a 22-page Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment.

While used as a boys and girls school – and agricultural training (hence the name) for almost a century and a half, the subject building was converted for residential use back in 1990.

“It retains a very limited amount of its original 19th century internal features and character, (so) the proposed development will not detract from its special character,” said Vivian Cummins the architect who authored the report.

“The overall form and composition of the original building is being retained (as is) the appearance of the existing structure within the Model Farm complex."

This new extension will see the Montessori add two classrooms, as well as ancillary toilets and a kitchen.