A refurbishment of the historic Weir Lodge on the banks of the River Corrib can go ahead after Galway City Council granted planning permission for the work

Inland Fisheries Ireland plan to carry out the work in order to allow the 19th century building to be used as offices again, after falling into disrepair internally.

An architect acting on behalf of the IFI said that the building had been generally disused over the last number of years, with recent use by the outdoor staff of IFI limited to the ground floor due to safety issues associated with the existing staircase.

Michelle Murphy of Helena McElmeel Architects, in a submission to planners, explained that the building was also suffering from decay to existing joists and wall plates, along with ventilation issues, due to 20th century alterations.

“The applicant proposes to carry out internal thermal upgrade works while sensitively conserving and refurbishing the interior of the existing building to provide useable and comfortable office space for their staff and ensuring its long-term protection and the use of the entire building.”

Minor alterations were proposed to the ground floor and first floor layout to accommodate shared offices and ancillary rooms such as a small kitchenette, accessible ground floor WC, upstairs WC and plant room to improve the layout and suit the needs of IFI staff.

It was proposed to remove the existing timber staircase and replace it with new re-orientated timber staircase, reusing elements of the existing stairs.

“This is to address health and safety issues with the existing stairs which has led to the upper floor not being used for a number of years.”

Internal thermal upgrade works were proposed to the walls, floor and roof of the existing building fabric, to address comprised breathability of the building fabric and ventilation issues.

“The proposed alterations and thermal upgrade works will facilitate sustainable comfortable office space enabling the full use of the building across both floors while retaining its existing use and contributing significantly to its protection and prevent future endangerment or potential sub-division / other uses,” Ms Murphy added.

Conservation architect Gerry McManus said the house dated back to the mid 19th century, with an extension at ground and attic levels probably completed in 1899, and a small single storey lean-to extension had been added on the north side in the mid 20th century.

“The proposed works are limited to the minimum considered necessary. Inevitably the proposed works would have some impact on the existing internal character of the building, but this should be minimal. The stairs should retain much of its original character in its detail and its enclosure would be largely unaltered,” his submission added.

In deciding to grant planning permission for the works, Galway City Council has imposed a number of conditions, including the requirement for all work to be overseen by a qualified Conservation Architect.

Pictured: The Weir Lodge at Galway Salmon Weir. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.