Kilkenny building poised to become 'hub of creativity' despite 'unforeseen delays'
The former bank is set to become a ceramics school in Thomastown, County Kilkenny
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) have stated that the recent granting of planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Bank of Ireland building in Thomastown into a ceramics school is a 'significant milestone'.
"This allows the ceramics school to move forward, which will host the DCCI Academy, in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU)," a DCCI spokesperson said.
Originally scheduled to commence in September 2025, the plans to deliver the new course faced unforeseen delays due to issues with the building planning permission application and process.
With the approval now secured, the building project is on track for the construction to commence from August 2025 with a project completion date of August 2026. The new course is now scheduled to start in September 2026.
Speaking on the announcement, Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO of DCCI, described it as an exciting moment for design and craft education in Ireland.
"The Thomastown Ceramics School will be a hub of creativity and innovation, providing students with world-class training in a historically significant building," she said.
"We are grateful for the community’s patience and support as we progressed through the planning phase."
Dr Paddy Tobin, Head of School of Design & Creative Arts at ATU commented that ATU are delighted to continue their strong partnership with DCCI in delivering exceptional higher education in craft and design.
"The new ceramics school in Thomastown represents a major investment in the future of Ireland’s creative industries and in practice-based educational provision," he said.