Athlone Architectural Heritage Group are asking Athlone Town Council to consider acquiring Court Devenish House

As works are due to commence on the proposed structural and design alterations to Fr. Mathew Hall, we urgently appeal to Athlone Town Council to consider acquiring Court Devenish House.

In our submission to Athlone Town Council in the Part 8 Planning Process, we proposed Court Devenish House as a more suitable location for the art gallery. The grounds contain the largest visible extent of the old Town Wall (c.1251) and the location in its entirety would provide a beautiful and safe public amenity. A modern wing at the rear of the building could be reconstructed to provide suitable gallery space.

Located within 100 yards of the town bridge, this historic building dates from 1791. The ruins of the original Court Devenish House dating from 1620s remain in the grounds with three intact cut-stone Jacobean windows. The original Court Devenish House was largely destroyed during the 1691 siege by Williamite forces.

Although the Town Council has been aware that Court Devenish House was on the market for €1m two years ago, they are intent on spending €3.2m on the construction of the art gallery at Fr. Mathew hall. Under the Freedom of Information Act, we requested (through our legal advisors) the relevant information regarding the ownership of the Fr. Mathew Hall and have been repeatedly refused this information. Even after having paid the relevant FOI fees we were informed by an official of Athlone Town Council that they were not obliged to supply the requested information.

The development at Fr. Mathew Hall will reflect poorly on Athlone Town Council's competence to provide a good aesthetic appearance to a major historic (and archaeologically sensitive) national landmark. Preparatory works, including an archaeological assessment of the property are ongoing. May we enquire when the results of this archaeological assessment are to be made public?

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