AIB plan redevelopment at Lynch’s Castle for 2018

City planners have approved an extension of time for extensive redevelopment works at Lynch’s Castle in the city centre.

According to AIB, building work on the project – which involves the construction of a new three-storey building on the site – will begin in December 2018 and take around 12 months to complete.

The bank’s plan to consolidate their regional operations within Lynch’s Castle and to double staff was put on hold because of the collapse in the banking sector.

Planning permission had been sought in 2008 – coinciding with the country’s descent into financial crisis – but was not approved until more than 18 months later due to the appeals process.

Plans for the overhaul on what is a Protected Structure involve the demolition of later additions to the castle – including the removal of buttresses – and repairs to the existing castle.

They also include the construction of a new three storey building with a glazed facade on Upper Abbeygate Street, which will house a new banking hall and offices. However, work never commenced on the site, and permission was due to expire this month.

“Due to economic issues beyond the control of [AIB], the development has been prevented from being commenced to date,” the bank said in its application for a five year Extension of Duration on the plans.

Planners approved the extension until 2020, ruling: “It is felt that the proposed extensions and alterations will not have a detrimental impact on the character and importance of Lynch’s Castle or the adjoining Protected Structures or the character or amenity of the Architectural Conservation Area and that it will not compromise the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

The original grant of permission came despite objections from local environmental watchdog group An Taisce and the City Council’s own Heritage Officer.

But the Council ordered that all archaeological and architectural features must be retained and displayed on the site, that traditional limestone mortars be used for all pointing and rebuilding of stonework and that the facade of the new building must be constructed from Ballinasloe limestone.

That decision was subsequently appealed by An Taisce, who said while they are generally supportive of development there, the proposed design was not sufficiently well thought-out and there was an over-use of glass blocks.