New life for old temperance hall

A new planning application has been submitted to redevelop one of Roscrea’s most iconic sites, the old temperance hall on Gaol Road.

Enda Gleeson is seeking to change the use of the existing bridewell (gaol) and temperance hall buildings from educational facility/offices to residential use. The new use is to comprise 11 apartments (seven one-bedroom and four two-bedroom), which are intended as ‘age-friendly’ accommodation.

Among other works, the applicant proposes to demolish an existing non-historic flat roof section and construct an external stairwell to the side of the rear temperance hall building.

The building consists of three remaining sections, including the bridewell, which dates from around 1815; temperance hall, which was constructed about 1890, and the relatively modern flat roof corridor structure between the two. It has been vacant for more than 20 years, the last known use of the building being by Youthreach Roscrea in 2004.

VANDALISM

Agents for Mr Gleeson informed Tipperary Co Council that the building has suffered deterioration in the time since as a result of “previously commenced strip out works… The commencement and halting of these previous works have left the building exposed in parts to the elements as well as significant vandalism.”

The applicant’s plan has been designed to have as little impact as possible on the notable architectural features of the building, which is a protected structure. “The proposals would bring much needed residential space to the town of Roscrea and utilise a structure which has otherwise sat vacant and in continuing state of dereliction for a significant amount of time,” the council was told.

SOCIAL HISTORY

Still known locally as the ‘temperance hall’, the use of this site has changed many times over the decades and it has played a central role in Roscrea’s social history. It was originally a gaol or bridewell for prisoners, giving the street – which was formerly known as Pwig or Kipeen St – the name of Gaol Road. At the time it had 12 sleeping cells, three day rooms, and two ‘airing yards’ for prisoners to spend time away from their cell, as well as a hall and small chapel.

The jail closed in the latter part of the nineteenth century and the building was thereafter used to stage concerts – Percy French, one of Ireland's most popular songwriters of the time, performed there.

The building became known as a temperance hall in the early twentieth century when it was used as a venue to serve non-alcoholic drinks to farmers visiting the market in Roscrea, at a time when the Temperance Movement gained widespread appeal.

A vocational school established under the Committee of Agriculture and Technical Instruction was based at the site from 1915 until 1932.

Local Church of Ireland parishioners, who had a key association with the building from its temperance days, purchased it in 1952 and set about a major restoration project.

The hall was renovated again in the 1980s and in subsequent years the site became home for various local groups, including Youthreach, Roscrea Community Response, Roscrea Boxing Club, and FÁS.

MICROBREWERY

In 2015 Tipperary Co Council granted planning permission for a microbrewery at the site. It seemed, somewhat ironically, that the old temperance hall was primed for a new life as a manufacturing centre for craft beer, one that would acknowledge Roscrea’s history of brewing beer and distilling whiskey.

But this plan was not implemented and the permission expired last year. The new applicant intends to use the site as age-friendly accommodation, defined in his application as accommodation for “persons over the age of 65”. The application notes that 27% of older persons in Tipperary live alone in houses unsuited to their needs.

GROWING POPULATION

Roscrea’s population is projected to reach 6,300 people by 2029 and a shortfall has been identified in projected delivery of accommodation for smaller households.

“It is hoped that the provision of high-quality age-friendly residential space to this building will ensure the survival and conservation of the protected structure on site,” the council was told in the application. “It is considered that the conversion and adaptation of this building to residential use provides a viable solution to the derelict structure given its prolonged vacancy.”

A decision is due from the council by October 21 next.