Council approves changes to Drumlin House plan

Cavan County Council has approved changes to the redevelopment of Drumlin House Training Centre in Cootehill aimed at enhancing both the facility’s functionality and accessibility.

The Board of Management of Drumlin House Training Centre CLG had previously secured planning permission in June of last year for the demolition of the existing facility at Cooney’s Row and the construction, in its place, of a modern two-storey training centre.

Now planners have granted permission for a number of design alterations, which include an increase in the floor area of the proposed building, internal layout changes, and the addition of a sensory terrace on the first-floor flat roof.

Updates to the external façade in terms of materials and design have also been factored in.

According to the architect’s report, the site has evolved in a piecemeal fashion over the years, with additions including a GP room and training kitchen in 1991, a garden centre in 1994, and a retail unit in 1998. Temporary structures such as a prefabricated classroom were later added in 2019 to accommodate users with acute disabilities.

The redevelopment project looks to provide a more suitable and comfortable environment for existing users and the new building will support a whole time equivalent of approximately 30 high-dependency service users and 18 staff.

From a development perspective, the project will not impact the nearby Cootehill Presbyterian Church - a protected structure - or other neighbouring properties.

Existing site features including greenhouses, stores, a portacabin, and retail unit, are to be addressed as part of the redevelopment, with the portacabin to be relocated.

The proposal, planners noted, aligns with the Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 and contributes to the regeneration vision outlined in the plan's Appendix 24 Masterplan (M1) where Drumlin House is identified as a key reference point within a proposed new urban square.

Planning permission was granted with 16 conditions attached, including provisions for boundary treatments and pedestrian access improvements connecting Bridge Street and Chapel Lane.