Planning board mulls over textile hub for Monasterevin

THE expected development of a textile and fashion hub in the former Bank of Ireland in Monasterevin is presently at An Bord Pleanála (ABP) as it rules on the ‘Part 8’ permission, which is when a local authority seeks planning permission.

The chief executive’s report on the Part 8 will go before the February municipal district meeting for members’ approval, before going to tender later this year, with expected completion sometime early in 2026.

It is estimated that the internal works and fit out will cost “roughly €0.5m”.

The idea has been broadly welcomed by the people of the town, with just two submissions citing opposition to the idea.

“I am pleased to see a plan to develop the building, as it is currently vacant,” said Theresa Troy, chair of Monasterevin Tidy Towns. “The proposal to site a fashion and textile design hub is in keeping with the history of textile manufacture in the town which exists to this day.

“I look forward to the day that Market Square is developed for social use, and we can use the hub to organise outdoor fashion shows on the square to display their work as they integrate with the local community,” she said.

This historic building has significant influence on the town of Monasterevin, noted Jacinta Kenna.

“As one of the first purpose-built financial institutions in the locality, reflecting the growing prosperity of the town, I think is an apt usage of the building, reflecting the huge contribution that the textile and clothing industry brought to Monasterevin over the years, contributing to this prosperity.

“At the height of the 1980s and early ‘90s, Monasterevin was home to a multitude of textile business such as West End Knitwear, Tyna Knitwear, Semloh Knitwear, DeerPark Knitwear, as well as Laceys Workwear and Earley’s Fashions.

“Repurposing the building to reflect the historic significance of these industries that were such significant employers in the area at the time would be a welcome development,” she concluded.

“This seems to be a great use of this now-empty building and a great move to protect this historical structure,” said Eoghan Ó hUallacháin. “There are already quite a number of derelict buildings in Monasterevin, and this project ensures that this will not become yet another.

“As this is a historical building, it is only fitting that it becomes used for something linked to the town’s history. Overall, it seems to be a very comprehensive plan and I feel it would be a welcome addition to the town centre,” he said.

Cllr Kevin Duffy said: “The proposed change of use from former Bank of Ireland to fashion and textiles design hub is a welcomed adaptive reuse of this heritage listed building. The proposed new use will ensure the ongoing protection of this important building, and its development will provide an animated junction at this important element of the streetscape of Market Square.” However, not all were happy.

“It’s not suitable for the town, not a suitable use for building in keeping with fabric and layout of building inside or out,” said Richard Buckley. “There is a safety issue at the crossing and it’s not a suitable area for gatherings of people.

“The building is of historical nature and should be found a purpose more keeping in line with current needs of the town centre, a much better suited purpose would be for many other things,” he added.

He was joined in his opposition by an Aaron Sheppard, who said: “I feel this is an awful waste for what is a massive building soaked in history of our great town. There are so many better uses for this building, including something similar to the court house in Kildare town, or a market building for small independent businesses to rent stalls in similar to the English market in Cork but a lot smaller.” Some caution was also noted by the Department of Heritage and Local Government’s Development Applications Unit, with regard to wildlife.

“This building is considered to be in the higher range of suitability for roosting and hibernating bats,” said spokesperson Sinead O’Brien. “The building has also been identified as a swift nesting site, breeding populations of which have seriously declined in Monasterevin.” In both cases, the department has asked that the Kildare Local Enterprise Office carry out appropriate surveys of both species prior to starting construction, and also to consider installing swift boxes and nesting sites.

The bank closed its doors in October 2021 alongside branches in both Kilcullen and Celbridge and 100 other locations nationwide. Just a year later it was proposed that the former branch would be converted into a remote working hub, but following the success of the Food and Drinks Hub in Athy and the MERITS Building in Naas, the idea for a textiles hub for Monasterevin was progressed by the council’s enterprise section.

“Capital funding for the proposed development of the former Bank of Ireland building has been secured,” confirmed Jacqui Mc Nabb, head of enterprise, economic development and tourism at the September meeting of the Kildare/Newbridge Municipal District in answer to a question from cllr Kevin Duffy.