'Iconic' Bridewell for Part 8 Planning in early 2026

The Carrickmacross Bridewell Project is set to progress through the early stages of redevelopment planning, with Monaghan County Council expected to be in a position to submit a Part 8 planning application by middle of Q1 2026.

The project is currently at Stage 1 – Preliminary Design, with the appointed design team undertaking detailed site surveys to inform costed concept proposals for restoring and repurposing the derelict 19th-century structure as a community and cultural hub

A former short-term county prison constructed in 1831 and a significant element of Carrickmacross’s built heritage, the proposed Bridewell Project is supported by funding from the Town Centre First initiative and Monaghan County Council, with investment to date concentrated on design development, public realm improvements, and advancing the project to be at a shovel-ready stage.

The progress update, provided at the December meeting of elected members in the Carrickmacross–Castleblayney Municipal District, was welcomed by Fine Gael's Peter Conlan, who described it as an “iconic building” and of major “significance” to the history of the town.