This article is from page 17 of the 2012-01-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
ENNIS Town Council has not ruled out the possibility of turning Ennis’ oldest inhabited house into a museum at some point in the future.
Recent tests have shown that Ms Irene Clune’s house, known as McParland’s on Parnell Street, is one of the oldest timber frame houses in Ireland, dating back to the 16th century.
The building’s triple diamond stone Jacobean chimney has been an icon of medieval Ennis for centuries. The house has undergone necessary structural repair work in recent months.
At last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, Councillor Paul O’Shea (Lab) called for the council to seek funding to open a medieval museum at McParland’s.
In his reply to Cllr O’Shea’s motion, Town Manager Ger Dollard stated that conservation works at the site are progressing well and should be completed by February. He confirmed that the council has received a grant of € 85,000 from the Department to part-fund the work.
Mr Dollard said, “Arrangements need to be made to cover the balance of the overall cost (€ 170,000) arising on the present contract.”
He continued, “The council is conscious that the house does represent the home of an elderly lady who has an expectation of returning to the property when the works have been completed. The property is not owned by Ennis Town Council.
“In addition, the structure is a very confined structure and it is difficult to see how it could operate as a visitor facility.
“It should also be noted that the County Museum is currently funded on a joint basis by Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council and the council would not have the resources to commit to the management of a separate and further museum.”
Mr Dollard continued, “However, the council is conscious of the importance of the building and this will remain a consideration for the council in any future discussions in relation to the property.
“The suggestion contained in the motion will be borne in mind in any discussion on future use of the property.”