200 years ago an Italo-Irish entrepreneur began taking passengers from Clonmel to Cahir by horse-drawn carriage. It was the beginning of Ireland’s first regular public transport.
In keeping with People Before Profit Tipperary’s recent support for renewed rail transport and a return of the Dublin bus service which as a privatised service has not been operational since March, we propose for Heritage Week, that Hearn’s Hotel , the original headquarters for Bianconi’s Clonmel service be restored to its original splendor.
This hotel was at one time the headquarters of Bianconi’s day car enterprise and was founded as a hotel by Daniel Hearn. Its size and scale make it an imposing feature on the streetscape and its façade is enlivened by features such as the render quoins and corbel course. The retention of elements such as the wrought-iron balcony and sandstone arch surround show evidence of fine crafting.
Anne Wall, local People Before Profit spokesperson said “This hotel has fallen into some disrepair over the past decade and needs to be kept as a hallmark of a bygone era. Built in 1792 it holds significant historical worth for Tipperary Council to ensure that it is maintained in prime condition. I would like to see the Council engage with the owners to come to some arrangement for the restoration of the building either as a hotel or with a view to creating other accommodation. Funding is available through Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund through the council yearly.”
The preservation of our built environment is essential to all regions, but especially when there is an important historical context, in this case, the architectural heritage is also important. Buildings are listed to keep our rich heritage from being discarded to whimsical trends. Functions of these precious buildings may change but many can be adapted to new uses to keep them relevant and keep our streets and towns enriched with beauty and architecture from a time gone.
Anne continues “ All that is lacking here is joined up thinking and a little creativity, the Council also have loans and incentives to repurpose buildings, under the Repair and Leasing Scheme as part of Rebuilding Ireland, which aids the Council house people on the housing list. Whatever happens leaving this building in the current state of repair serves no one. Tackling this would lift more than just the building itself.”
