From courthouse to community space

Plans for the refurbishment of the old Dunshaughlin Courthouse for use as a multi-purpose community space were unveiled to councillors last week.

The proposals include creating a large single space room in the main downstairs courtroom as well as two rooms upstairs.

The draft plan prepared by consultants Sheridan Woods proposes taking out an old toilet on the ground floor to allow for a new entrance to the building and the provision of an enclosed stairway, outside the original building to access the upstairs room.

Councillors were told that as the 200-year-old courthouse is a listed building, there were many constraints on what could be done with the building.

The proposals for the building are part of a public realm plan for the centre of the village which also proposed pedestrian crossings at the Tara News junction widened footpaths, cycle lanes and a small reduction in parking space - although this aspect of the plan was rejected by councillors.

There are also plans to reposition the sculpture outside the building.

The Francis Johnston designed courthouse on the main street was built around 1800 and was in use as a courthouse up until around 20 years ago.

The Cathaoirleach of Ratoath Municipal District, Cllr Gillian Toole said that the proposals would be fantastic for the community.

"We are very lucky to have St Patrick's Hall, the Pastoral Centre, the Community Centre, the Library and a meeting room in The Arch Bar, but it is a growing and diverse community and we need meeting spaces for smaller groups."

She recalled forming a committee a few years back where groups came together to say what they wanted to see in the Courthouse.

Cllr Toole said councillors had asked the consultants to revisit the proposals for the main street which would see some reduction in parking which would be unworkable.

Cllr Gerry O'Connor said he was delighted with the plans for the courthouse. "The consultants were constrained by it being a listed building and only having one entrance but they have come up with innovative plans.

"There are proposals to make the junction at Tara News safer and for the provision of traffic lights, but there is still a lot of work to be done," he said.

"This will result in a nice little square in the centre of the village and will ensure a good standard of amenities and safety in Dunshaughlin.

He recalled that 12 years ago, the Renaissance Committee, of which he was a member commissioned a study with the help of a grant and funds they raised themselves to see what could be done with the historic building.

"The committee was led by Oliver McKenna along with Patricia Lynch, Ralph Lynch, Frank Daly, Lally McCormack, Luke Colleran and many others and by the Historical Society working with Dara McGowan and Des Foley in the last few years."

He said it gathered dust for years, because of the financial crash, but it is great to see something finally happening.

A bat survey is currently underway on the building and it is hoped when it is complete it can go to the Part Eight planning process.