Kevin and James Keane have applied to Mayo County Council to redevelop the Bank Corner in Claremorris, Co Mayo, as 20 apartments, as reported by the Irish Independent and the Connaught Telegraph, a scheme that matters to building and architecture professionals because it is a fresh attempt to bring a protected town-centre building back into use.

Mayo County Council is the planning authority, and the Connaught Telegraph reported that a decision is due by Thursday 7 January, with submissions open until Tuesday 8 December.

The Connaught Telegraph reported that the site at James Street and Ballindine Road would hold 12 one-bed and eight two-bed apartments, with the existing three-storey Protected Structure retained and converted to two two-bed apartments and one one-bed apartment.

The same report said the scheme also includes demolition of three houses on James Street and of an extension, garage and outbuildings on Ballindine Road, and construction of 11 one-bed and six two-bed apartments.

The structural driver is viability, with the Western People reporting that Mayo planners rejected an earlier proposal for the old bank, whose 27 apartments had been reduced to 20, after senior planner John McMyler noted that the applicant did not engage in pre-planning discussions.

For the sector, the timing matters because the Western People also reported Mr McMyler said the cost would be exorbitant and the interior could not be rebuilt viably without a substantial contribution from the Government or the council, whereas the Connaught Telegraph reports the new application retains the historic building.

The Connaught Telegraph’s report shows 20 apartments again, and Mayo Live reported that a 28-unit scheme on Convent Road in Claremorris was granted permission last year.

The broader implication for the sector is that protected-structure conversions in Irish market towns depend on viability and early planning engagement, giving conservation architects and contractors a niche but uncertain pipeline.