Public Realm Plan for Birr, April 2009, the Paul Hogarth Company. Download low resolution copy. For a disc of the high resolution copy email the heritage office.
'Public realm is a broad term used to describe the form and use of outdooor areas that are accessible to the public. This includes streets, squares, paths, parks and car parks, thus accounting for a large percentage of the town's land mass and greatly influencing the way in which it looks and functions.' p7.
PRESS RELEASE 17 February 2010
'Public Realm Plan for Birr Receives Second Award in Two Months
Cathaoirleach Tony McLoughlin of Birr Town Council was delighted to receive an award from Minister John Gormley TD for the Public Realm Plan for Birr at the 2010 Irish Planning Institute’s National Planning Awards which took place at Fitzwilliam Hall, Dublin on Friday 12th February.
The judging panel, assembled by The Irish Planning Institute, found that the quality of work and involvement of local people were excellent components of the plan. This comes just two months after the same project received a commendation at the Irish Landscape Institute awards.
The plan was commissioned by Offaly Local Authorities with support from the Heritage Council and Shannon Development. It was undertaken by The Paul Hogarth Company with ERM Ireland.
Birr is famed for its rich history and renowned for the quality of its Georgian architecture, urban form and the magnificent Birr Castle and Demesne. Analysis revealed however, that Birr suffers many of the problems experienced by town centres across Ireland, such as streets dominated by traffic, pavements cluttered with obstacles and historic buildings marred with inappropriate features and signage.
James Hennessey of Landscape Architects and Urban Designers, The Paul Hogarth Company noted that “early in the project it became apparent that by tackling these issues, significant socioeconomic benefits could be realised for local residents, businesses and visitors. The ultimate aim of the plan is for the streets and spaces of Birr to become equal in quality to that of its buildings”.
The project client and Heritage Officer for Offaly County Council, Amanda Pedlow, welcomed the award, saying that “the plan has already proved an invaluable point of reference as we continue to enhance the heritage of this wonderful town. Already the first action of the plan is well underway, with the urgent restoration of the column designed by Chearnley in Emmet Square almost complete.”'