Tipperary County Council planning move on farm complex angers objectors

Tipperary County Council has approved the demolition of the Parkville Farm buildings outside Clonmel pending a bat survey, much to the dismay of objectors.

Hedgerows Ireland has expressed their disbelief that Tipperary County Council would give the go-ahead for the demolition of the farm buildings despite a recommendation by the Department of Housing to carry out an architectural survey.
People who submitted objections to the application by Melclon Unlimited (a Coolmore subsidiary) to demolish the farm buildings were told that the demolition plans have been approved pending the completion of a bat survey.

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A total of 28 submissions were sent to the planners, which highlighted the iconic nature of the farmyard and its potential for restoration and reuse.

Hedgerows Ireland said that one of those submissions was very significant.
The submission was from Diarmuid Buttimer from the Development Applications unit of the Deptartment of Housing on October 22, 2024. “Should the planning authority consider this application further, the Department recommends it requests as Further Information a detailed assessment of the farm complex to establish its architectural interest and its contribution to the historic built environment and to assess its potential for reuse in whole or in part.

“ The assessment/s, including any structural assessment/s, should be carried out by appropriately qualified and competent persons with demonstrable experience in the conservation and reuse of historic structures,” said Diarmuid Buttimer in his submission.

Alan Moore, Hedgerows Ireland said Tipperary County Council ignored this recommendation.
“However this recommendation was completely ignored by the planners who instead rec ommended a bat survey. No explanation for this omission has been forthcoming despite requests,” said Alan Moore.

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On behalf of Save Parkville Group and Hedgerows Ireland Alan Moore said many questions needed to be asked.
He wanted to know why did Tipperary County Council ignore the Department of Housing detailed recommendation to mandate a detailed architectural assessment and what were Coolmore's wider intentions in relation to the development of the Parkville farm. He said that John Magnier has not acknowledged or answered correspondence from them requesting a meeting to discuss Parkville Farm.