€50,000 contract for investigation into Westgate tourism potential
The idea of a public realm in Irishtown is also being looked into
Moves are being made in Clonmel to advance the conservation of the vacant Westgate building in Clonmel, including the possible acquisition of one of the adjoining properties, either 2 O’Connell Street or 6 Grubbs Court. The idea of a new public realm on the Irishtown side of Clonmel has also been floated.
Tipperary County Council have recently advertised a €50,000 contract for a design team to tackle the question of what’s needed, including a full survey of the Westgate. The building has two big open plan rooms, with a large archway over the public road. The would-be consultant will also be required to look into the possibility of opening the westgate onto Irishtown, and the feasibility of a new public realm area on the Irishtown side of the town.
Access is via a 19th century timber staircase in the adjoining building, 2 O’Connell Street. However, there is water ingress which has led to dry rot and the collapse of a part of this staircase. Furthermore, it is unsafe to access the upper floors of the building and the works are “urgently required to ensure that West Gate does not deteriorate further”.
The building, built in 1831, is owned by the council and was built on the site of the Medieval west gate to the (formerly) walled town of Clonmel. Structural repairs were carried out as early as 1967, and more works carried out between 2002 and 2007.
While the town has a rich history, the council admits that Clonmel is “largely overlooked by tourists” and thus the reason for undertaking the project. Ultimately, the council wants to restore the West Gate to highlight Clonmel’s literary and industrial past,
The council say there are “multiple funding opportunities” for historic structures like the Westgate building, and the successful consultant would be required to help the council with future funding applications too.