Landmark house to become Clonmel hotel

THE former home of Charles Bianconi, the Italian mayor of Clonmel who effectively put 19th century Ireland on wheels by establishing the country’s first transport system, is to become a 29-bedroom hotel.

Building contractor Dan Casey has applied to Clonmel Borough Council for planning permission to convert Silversprings House on the Waterford Road into a hotel. A previous application was turned down some years ago.

This time, however, the developer plans only minimal modifications to the three-storey house. The plan is to create a small bar, lounge, restaurant and conference room in the main house.