AIB plan to demolish part of Lynch’s Castle

Date Published: 03-Jul-2009

ALLIED Irish Bank has been asked to explain how a proposed overhaul of Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street – one of the most significant archaeological buildings in the city – will impact on the original
walls.

The bank has applied for planning permission to demolish the later additions to the castle, including the banking facilities; alter and repair the original castle structure; and then construct a new, three-storey building which will house a public banking hall, offices, an internal plant room and roofmounted plant.

The proposed development at Lynch’s Castle – described by An Taisce as ‘probably the most important upstanding historic building in Galway’ – includes a glazed facade to Abbeygate Street Upper.

In a request by the city planners for further information, AIB has been asked to submit photos and drawings of the original rear walls and how they join neighbouring properties on Abbeygate
Street Upper and the family deli McCambridges on Shop Street.

The planners want similar evidence of the later editions to Lynch’s Castle, saying elements of marble, limestone and possible timber had been salvaged from previous incarnations of the building. These should be re-used in any replacement building.

The officials have also raised concerns over the…