Demolition of Kildare pub gets green light

PLANNING permission has been granted to demolish the Thatch Pub in Ballymore Eustace, only five years after its last iteration replaced the original modern version granted back in 2009.

Mill Road Estates, a 24-year old firm with an address at Royal Canal Park, Dublin 15, but who have done a number of small developments around the village, applied last May to demolish the existing pub and restaurant.

The firm are planning to replace this with a single-storey shop, to include an off-licence, as well as with a café with a commercial kitchen and staff quarters.

Additionally, on the footprint they plan to build three 3-bed townhouses with front door access to Main Street, as well as provision for 11 car parking spaces in the rear courtyard, two of which will be EV charging points.

The permission also includes the refurbishment of footpaths and kerbs on both Main and Chapel Streets, as well as a landscaped terrace on the Chapel Street side to include three more car parking spaces, all within the 0.19Ha (half acre) site.

Local Stone

The planners did not give the developer all their own way, however, and were “firmly of the opinion that higher order finishes such as local quarried or salvaged natural stone … and natural slate are required”.

Having also demanded other changes with regard to doors, windows and the signage to be erected the planners were eventually satisfied the developers amendments were acceptable.

“Having regard to the village centre zoning in Ballymore Eustace … it is considered that, subject to the (40) conditions attached … the development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area, and is in accordance with the proper planning”.

Among the 40 conditions the planners have stipulated the planting only of local, native species, and required a bond of €50,000 “to ensure the satisfactory retention of existing trees”. Architects John P Delaney are the designers of the new build.