Bible facility plan for Borrisokane

Tipperary Co Council is set to rule on a planning application for a community bible educational facility in Borrisokane.

Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Ireland is to be the owner and director of the facility, which it is planning to set up at Rathmore. The applicant is proposing to change the use of Bright Sparks Montessori to a facility used for holding meetings, workshops and classes. Several works are proposed including a rearranged site layout and the removal of temporary outbuildings.

The application met with three local submissions, one in the name of Brian Murphy, who objected to the proposed development over lack of parking and concern with an increase in visitor numbers day and night. The other two submissions expressed similar concerns and raised a particular issue over the loss of the Montessori. Jim Darcy said the Montessori had 22 attendants enrolled for September 2025.

“I object to planning on the grounds that a Montessori school for 22 families is far more needed in the area than for a Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Ireland,” Mr Darcy wrote to the council. “It is a perfectly functioning nursery with a very positive influence on the community, looking after children in the locality and giving full-time employment to people in the area.”

He described the proposed bible educational facility as “totally unnecessary”.

Another submission, written by Maureen Darcy, expressed concern over residential amenity and added: “We are sorry to see a purpose-built nursery being closed. The children of the town will have to go elsewhere, whilst this is purpose-built for them.”

WEEKLY PUBLIC MEETINGS

The council requested further information from the applicant in relation to the proposed use for the building, and in relation to residential amenity.

In response, Watchtower Bible’s agent stated that the property would be used as a meeting place for the outreach work of the applicant, a registered charity organisation, within the local community.

“The charity operates a public meeting every week and actively invites members of the community to join this class,” the council was informed.

“In addition, special public events are held during the year, again with a special effort to invite members of the community to these events. There will be no private hire of the venue or rooms at the venue, which would restrict the community use.”

The agent observed that the property is currently home to a Montessori, “which of course is an education facility and there have been no objections on planning grounds to this use for many years.

“It should be noted that no charge is made for any of the bible education classes which will be held at the property, which again emphasises the use by the community. Members live locally to the proposed facility and are active within the local community.”

The agent added that steps have been taken to allay any concerns about overlooking or potential loss of privacy to neighbouring property.

The council is to decide on the application by October 8.