Revamp of landmark Galway building scaled back

The owner of Island House on Gaol Road – which houses the library headquarters – has scaled back plans for dramatic overhaul of the building, including extensive glazing.

Property investor and developer Georgina O’Mahony (nee Conroy) of Moralto Investments Ltd had sought permission for extensive works to the late 19th century warehouse behind the Cathedral.

The overhaul proposals included:

■ Partial removal of the west (river facing) façade and replacement with glazing;
■ Modifications to doors on the eastern side and the replacement of windows throughout;
■ Glazed roof extension;
■ Complete internal refurbishment;
■ Cleaning and repair of stonework.

“The building, having been already extensively altered in the 1980s, the proposed alterations to the west façade and to the interior will affect 1980’s fabric only.

“The east façade, although thought to have been largely rebuilt in the 1980s, contains a large amount of original material in its stonework, retains the proportions and features of the original warehouse and evokes the former industrial character of the area.

“The east façade is the most notable aspect of the building the proposed alterations will have minimal impact on this, the principal aspect of the protected structure.”

For more on the refurbishment plans for Island House, see this week’s Galway City Tribune