Conservation architect engaged for former Famine workhouse

A conservation architect has been engaged by the HSE with a view to preserving the former Famine workhouse building in Mullingar.

The news emerged from a parliamentary question tabled by Deputy Robert Troy, who has called for the protection and enhancement of the old workhouse, known as St Mary’s Hospital, and located on the Longford Road in Mullingar.

Deputy Troy requested that Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly engage with the property section of Health Service Executive (HSE), with a view to forming a plan for what the deputy said was a “significant historical building” in the town.

A response from the HSE – which occupies a number of buildings on the former famine workhouse site – stated: “The HSE has engaged a conservation architect to advise on the appropriate remedial works to undertake to preserve the former famine workhouse (St Mary’s Lodge Building) on the campus, due to the protected nature of the building.

“Tenders will be sought for the initial clearance and protection works in the coming weeks, with a view to having a contractor approved for these works within the next three months.

“Following the completion of the remedial works, Capital and Estates will progress with investigative structural surveys to help determine potential of this building for future HSE purposes,” the HSE response to Deputy Troy’s parliamentary question concluded.