Historic and unique pub in Tullamore 'more viable' as private dwelling
It's the only two-storey thatched building in Offaly
A historic and unique pub in Tullamore would be 'more viable' as a private dwelling
The Mallet Tavern, Offaly's only two-storey thatched building, will be more viable as a private dwelling, an architect has told the County Council.
Council planners are considering an application for the change of use of the former public house which according to local tradition survived the great fire in Tullamore in 1785.
Along with seeking permission for the change of use of the pub, which has been closed for some time, Anthony Kane is applying for consent to demolish a single storey flat roof extension, partially demolish a storey-and-a-half annex at the rear, and add a two-storey extension.
The plan is for the building to be used as a single private residence and Mr Kane is a director of the local company which owns it, Coco Fuels.
The Mallet Tavern is a protected structure and its description in the council record says it is a four-bay, terraced two-storey thatched public house which was formerly E Molloy's. Its rear faces the Grand Canal.
The appraisal says it adds “immense character” to Kilbride Street and though the thatched roof was replaced in 2022, it “will require ongoing repair and maintenance in order to preserve the structure for generations to come”.
The architect for the applicant says the proposed works will preserve the thatched roof and the original structure of the Mallet Tavern.
“If ignored and left in its current stage, the flat roof at the rear of the site will rot and collapse within the next few years. We believe that the proposed change of use and extension to The Mallet Tavern will be beneficial to the enhancement of the streetscape of Kilbride Street and Kilbride Park.”
The architect adds: “The Mallet Tavern is more viable as a private dwelling, the proposed change of use for The Mallet Tavern will allow the building to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.”