Approval has been rejected for AIB to install security cameras on the front of the historic Lynch’s Castle facing out on to Shop Street.
AIB sought approval for nine cameras in total around the medieval premises in the city centre. In a split decision, planning approval was granted for some, but not the most sensitively located cameras.
The City Council granted permission for the two new cameras on the Abbeygate Street side, as well as for five new or replacement cameras on the rear elevation at roof level.
However, permission was refused for two new cameras on the Shop Street side of the historic building, due to the effect it would have on the historic building.
The application stated that Gardaí had recommended to AIB that, as a financial institute, they should have external cameras for security.
The Galway City Council Heritage Officer Dr. Jim Higgins said that installing cameras on the front façade of Lynch’s Castle is “completely unacceptable” from a heritage standpoint.
It had been proposed that the two cameras would be attached through fixings in the mortar joints, rather than the stone fabric of the wall, with cables to go through the modern timber frames of the windows.
The council said that the two dome style cameras on Shop Street would “have a seriously detrimental impact on the setting and character and appearance of the protected structure and recorded monument and City Core Architectural Area.”
“The proposal would therefore materially contravene policies 8.1 and 8.2 of the Galway City Development Plan 2017-2023 and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”
Lynch’s Castle is a four storey medieval fortified townhouse in stunningly good condition, which dates back to the 16th century.
It was built by the powerful Lynch family, one of the original 14 Tribes of Galway, and is a highly protected monument in the city.
