Ambitious plan for Buttevant’s ancient walls

PLANNING permission is being sought for an ambitious project aimed at protecting the integrity of the ancient walled town defences in Buttevant.

The application, lodged jointly by the Muintir Buttevant Community Council and the local Heritage Group, makes provision for works to the town defences and the construction of a raised walkway with associated seating, signage and planting at an area east of the town centre between the River Awbeg and the Franciscan Friary.

The site is within an Architectural Conservation Area adjacent to two protected structures, The Friary and the Fever Hospital. It also carries a Special Conservation Area designation in respect of crayfish breeding grounds in the River Awbeg.

The project will entail two separate elements, the first being works to ensure the structural integrity of the town defences, a recorded monument which is listed in the National Sites and Monuments Record. Ministerial consent has been sought and approved for these works. This will include remedial works to a section of the old town wall that was only discovered last year.

The second element of the project will incorporate treatment works to a 30-metre section of the boundary, to be agreed with the relevant authorities.

The project will also include alterations to existing site levels to create a wetland and associated planting.

A spokesperson said the entire project would cost approximately €300,000 to undertake, with the money coming through a mix of Cork County Council grants and local fundraising efforts.

“This is a very detailed project and given the sensitive nature of the site an immense amount of background work needed to be undertaken to satisfy relevant authorities and conservation bodies,” said the spokesperson.

“The protection of our built structural heritage in Buttevant has always been of paramount importance to the local community and this programme of works will protect that for many years to come.”