Protected castle converted to 12-bed guest house and function venue

Portlick Castle is a protected structure listed under Westmeath County Council RPS 022-026 (Tower House and Castle) and 022-027 (outbuildings and coach house) and recorded under NIAH Reg No. 15402212 (Castle). Portlick Castle is also a Recorder Monument with SMR No. WM022-045. Permission is sought for a formal change of use of the previously converted private residence into a Guest House/Function Venue, with 12 number existing bedrooms with en-suites within the castle and coach house, commercial kitchen, dining room, breakfast room, bar and lounge, toilets, stores and associated site works. Retention Permission is sought for the following works undertaken since 2020: (i) completed replacement to the Tower Roof at increased roof pitch with Blue Bangor slate covering and new dormer to back elevation as access to viewing balcony behind parapet and roof lights to front elevation replicating positions on removed roof (ii) repair of existing timber windows, replacement of decayed timber window and door heads with concrete lintels (iii) removal of existing rotten and damaged timber windows with timber framed replacements (iv) removal of cement based render to middle section of front elevation and reinstatement of hood mouldings based on historic photos to same, removal of cement based pointing to external stone elevations and replacement with lime based mortar, repairs to various damaged stone window cills, heads and reveals, stone waterspouts and other associated damaged stone wall elements, (v) removal of internal wall dry lining systems exposing original stone masonry and replacement of lime plaster in some areas, (vi) part sub division of upper levels (with en-suites) (vii) exposure and re-pointing of bare rubble walls, partial completion of new internal stud walls, and floors to upper levels(viii) replacement of concrete floors at ground level and in the ‘Great Hall’ at first floor with limecrete floors and underfloor heating, (ix) opening up works throughout the structure and removal of damaged and decayed internal drylining, joinery including skirting boards, door frames and doors, architraves, dado rails and picture rails, repairs to all internal timber floors, walls and ceilings, (x) alterations to the non-historic rear and side extensions including removal of blockwork castellations, fitting of new windows in existing openings, and creation of new window openings (xi) alterations to the coach house involving removal of sand cement render, window and door surrounds, window and door changes, fitting of alu-clad window in place of door on southeastern elevation, replacement of rooflights and new natural slate covering. Retention permission is also sought for works undertaken prior to our ownership of the site; (i) removal of floor and creation of double height 'Great Hall' on the mid-levels of the tower house, (ii) function room extension of 367.5m2 ('Marquee') attached to the rear extension (iii) alterations within the site comprising boundary wall repairs and fencing.