Markree stable yard gets go ahead for B& B
Planning permission has been granted to convert stables on the grounds of Markree House into bed and breakfast, after a report found the development would have minimal impact on the protected structure.
The application, submitted by Eugene O’Neill Architects on behalf of Anthony and Lydia Murray, called for the change of use of the stables, which are a protected structure, to 20 bed accommodation.
The conservation assessment report carried out by Mayo architect Mark Stephens concluded that the development would “protect and retain the original spaces, fabric and integrity of the building.”
He said: “We feel that the proposals will result in the sympathetic restoration and refurbishment of an historic agricultural building into high- quality accommodations.”
Various tests were carried out after the Department of Heritage expressed concerns to Sligo County Council over the potential impact the conversion could have on underground archaeological remains.
The department noted that the development was within the vicinity of a ringfort which is protected in the Record of Monuments and Places in the National Monuments ( Amendment) Act.
A bat survey also found that the conversion could potentially impact a small number of brown longeared bats which were roosting in the stables’ loft. It was recommended that bat boxes be mounted on the southern and eastern sides of the building. These are artificial roosts erected to encourage bats to roost in certain areas.
This report, which was carried out on behalf of Mr and Mrs Murray, also stated that if bats are found during construction, work must stop immediately and a bat specialist be contacted.
Developments to convert the stables to bed and breakfast will also include the construction of 23 new car parking spaces and the decommissioning of an existing septic tank to be replaced by proprietary waste water treatment system and polishing filter. Irish Water had no objections to this.
The application also called for the removal of the ground floor and relaying of a new concrete floor, as well as the removal of some sections of the first floor to add more headroom and staircases.
A report into this first floor development found it would be possible to retain 70 to 80 per cent of original brickwork vaults and that it would be economically reasonable.
Eight new openings within the stables will also be added as well as the installation of new windows.
The Markree Stable Yard is part of the Markree Demesne, which includes Markree Castle. It had been part of the Cooper family since the mid- 17th century but Mr and Mrs Murray purchased 62 acres of the land in 1994. The castle was bought by the Corscadden family last year after it was put up for sale in 2014. They plan to reopen it as a hotel next spring.