*Hastings Farmhouse.
A PLANNING application has been lodged with Clare County Council to transform Hastings Farmhouse in Shannon into a centre for community education.
The Clare Echo previously reported in December that Dúchas na Sionna were hoping to open Hastings Farmhouse as a cultural centre of excellence and heritage site in Shannon by the end of 2025. Now they have officially lodged plans with the County Council.
Hastings Farmhouse has not been used as a dwelling since the 1970s. Dúchas Na Sionna CLG have proposed to adapt the structure so that it can be used as a community facility for visitors, training in heritage and meetings. The building is to be renovated in the style the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Co. Down and nearby Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
The historic building in Tullyvarraga remained in the classic style of a thatched roof and whitewashed walls until the last residents vacated in the 1970s. The building was previously used as a safehouse by the IRA during the War of Independence from 1919 to 1921 where British Brigadier General Lucas was imprisoned before later being released by the volunteers.
After the original residents left, the building fell into disrepair and was vandalised several times with only the house’s walls remaining at the site today.
Dúchas na Sionna states that “Inviting greater numbers of people to the site necessitates the introduction of toilet accommodation, kitchenette and office. These will be accommodated in a new small-scale building in the north-west corner”.
As part of the proposed transformation, Dúchas na Sionna aims to retain as much of the old structure as possible. “The objective is to embody the material characteristics that made the building special. These are buildability, local materials, and the marks of the craft hands of amateur builders”.
Some modern adjustments will have to be made at the site however. It is proposed that the house be heated by an air to water heat system, rather than the traditional open fire that previously heated the home. This will require the removal of the remains of the thin concrete floor and a 450mm excavation to install the heating system and insulation. Any artefacts found during this stage of construction will be handed over to the on-site architect.
Dúchas na Sionna believes that the renovation is vital to ensuring the building’s survival. According to a planning report submitted to Clare County Council, “the remains have been provided with temporary protection but this in turn cannot last”. A number of other additions will have to be made to the protected structure in order to make it suitable for modern use as a visitor/training centre.
IT and technology services are envisaged at the site along with a new kitchen and toilet facilities. These are designed to have as little visual impact as possible on the protected structure.
Clare County Council have until the June 11th to decide on the application. Submissions and objections can be made up until May 21st.
