Councillors in the Tralee Municipal District have unanimously approved the restoration and upgrading of the Ashe Memorial Hall.
Clerk of Works at Kerry County Council, Gene Courtney told the councillors that the plan is intended to restore the building’s 1920s architecture.
It will also include new measures to make the building more accessible, energy retrofitting such as the installation of solar photovoltaic panels, and public space improvements.
The Part 8 project received almost €200,000 (€197,094) from the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) to develop an Integrated Urban Strategy for adaptive reuse of Ashe Hall.
The proposed restoration works include converting the existing mansard roof attic space into a new museum area, the restoration of the building’s original windows, stonework repointing, roof restoration, and the conservation of railings.
Upgrade works would include the creation of a roof garden with lift and stair access, installing new universally accessible toilets, an accessible ramp at the front of the building and a new northern entrance.
Of the three submissions made during the statutory public consultation, one recommended enhanced, secure, and weather-protected bicycle parking around Ashe Hall, while the other two concerned autism friendly facilities and work space for Kerry PPN.
In response, Kerry County Council chief executive, Fearghal Reidy, said the suggestion would be considered under the Tralee Town Local Transport Plan, which is currently being developed.
Following a roll call of councillors, it was confirmed that the conservation-led restoration and upgrading of the Ashe Memorial Hall had received unanimous support.
