Major extension sought for historic hall in Cavan

There are plans to build a new three-storey extension to the rear of St Augustine’s Hall in Cavan Town, as part of a major redevelopment of the historic property.

The proposal is phase two of a major project, which began with massive investment of close to €2 million at the Cathedral of Saints Patrick & Felim. The investment included the modernisation of heating, lighting and insulation, as well as draught proofing, and the cleaning of the Cathedral.

Established when Bishop Browne bought land from John Maguire, land agent to Lord Farnham, St Augustine’s Hall was built in 1829 and used as a day seminary for student priests.

The seminary later moved to St Patrick’s College.

The plans for St Augustine’s Hall, facing into Farnham Street, will consist of conservation works to the fabric of the existing protected building including walls, windows, thermal upgrade of portion of building envelope, and an upgrade of mechanical and electrical installations.

It will also see the demolition of a rear return, and the construction of a three-storey extension to west (rear) of property in its place, together with the conservation and refurbishment of internal rooms and all associated site and landscaping works.

The application is being made to Cavan County Council on behalf of the Parish of Urney and Annagelliff.

The St Augustine’s Hall building is a protected structure.

In 2012, local artist Siobhan Harton transformed the outside of the disused building into street art piece called ‘shadows of a love story’.