Big step forward for Birr as Councillors adopt Rectory Lands Master Plan

THERE was a big step forward for Birr on Monday afternoon when the Councillors of Birr Municipal District, during their monthly meeting, formally adopted a Concept Master Plan for the Rectory Lands in the town.

The Councillors enthusiastically and warmly welcomed this significant stage in this project, pointing out that the project will be a very important development in the centre of the town.

Ann Dillon, Director of Services, told the meeting that the Rectory Lands were bought by Offaly County Council from the Church of Ireland in two lots. “The first was acquired in 2015,” she remarked, “after the dissolution of Birr Town Council, and the second in 2019.”

She said the lands are central to the town and are zoned Town Centre/Community Use and Residential. She said the project wouldn't have arrived at the stage it is now at if the Councillors hadn't decided to use some of their discretionary budget, called the General Municipal Allocation, to develop a concept Master Plan for the site “that would set out in broad terms options for its development into the future.”

The Paul Hogarth Company, who are experts in urban planning and landscape architecture, were engaged by the Municipal District to complete the Concept Master Plan for the site. In 2025 it was decided that Offaly County Council would bid for central government funding to provide infrastructure on the site that would facilitate the future delivery of housing.

Now that the Councillors have approved the Concept Master Plan, the site will be developed on a phased basis.

A number of the Councillors praised James Hennessy of Paul Hogarth for his enthusiasm and engagement with the project.

Brian Keenaghan, Area Engineer, said there will be 120 to 130 residential units on the site. These might include the three types of housing, social, affordable and private housing. “The site is just over five hectares and there will be about 25 residential units per hectare,” Mr Keenaghan said. “There will be a community facility, perhaps a creche. A pedestrian/cyclists boulevard will run from Glebe Street, and will go right through the site, emerging onto John's Mall via John's Hall. There are possibilities for other linking access points with Emmet Street. A large area in the northern part of the site will be devoted to being a biodiversity area. There will also be a pathway around the site for walking and jogging. While there will be vehicular access and vehicular parking the focus will be on minimising vehicles and being as pedestrian oriented as possible. We will also maintain an existing hedgerow, which is a gem. Phase 1 of the project will be the boulevard and installing all relevant infrastructure (transport and services) for the site as a whole; and this will be delivered by the end of 2028. Phase 2 will be the construction of housing. There is also an area for possible commercial development.”

Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy pointed out that the project has been talked about for many years and it was great that it had now finally reached this important stage. She said Birr is fortunate to have these five hectares in the centre of the town. She also asked that a beautiful stone wall on the site not be knocked down. “I hope the material we use will be better than the pavement material on Main Street and Emmet Square which is crumbling under people's feet and is slippy. I was also glad to hear that age-friendly housing will be built. The walkway/cycleway will be 1.8km long which will be a great addition to the town's life. I formally propose that we adopt the Concept Master Plan.”

Cllr Seán Maher seconded. “This development in the centre of the town will be a major addition to the town,” commented Cllr Maher. “James Hennessy is heavily invested, emotionally and intellectually, in this project which I think bodes well. It will look very well, sensitively echoing Birr's Georgian heritage. I think it's very important that we have affordable housing in there as well, not just age friendly and private housing. More affordable housing is crucial. I would like people who are working in Birr to be able to live in Birr.”

Cllr Eleanor Clendennen commented that this is an exciting project which will deliver up to 130 new houses. “We are in the middle of a housing crisis and therefore this project is welcome news.”

Cllr Peter Ormond said this project was set in train by the old Birr Town Council before it was disbanded in 2014. “It is part of that Council's legacy. Hopefully, we will get it built and it will therefore become this Municipal District's legacy.” Cllr Ormond praised the Master Plan, calling it excellently and sensitively done. “It really reflects what Birr is about, it really reflects the heritage character of the town. I have no doubt but this development will be of a high quality. This development also means that the people of Birr will be able to walk, jog and cycle in a safe environment, away from the busy roads of the town.” Cllr Ormond said he would like to see a mix of social, affordable and private housing being developed there.

Cllr Hughie Egan said James Hennessy “was passionate about the plan. This is an exciting time for Birr. I think a lot of good things are happening in Birr at the moment. This was indeed very wise use of our GMA funding.”

Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, praised Deputies Tony McCormack and John Clendennen for their advocacy on behalf of this project. “It was thanks to them that the Housing Investment Fund was directed positively towards this project. Both Deputies deserve huge credit.” Cllr Leahy said he wants to see affordable housing being built in the Rectory Lands, adding that they should be mindful of the “big demand for one and two bed housing units.”

The Concept Master Plan, including images, is available to view on the Offaly County Council website at www.offaly.ie