Apology after protected shop front is knocked

A MAN who pulled down part of his protected shop front without planning permission has apologised and promised to restore it to its former glory.

Billy Ryan, who owns the WJ Ryan shop in Mitchelstown, north Cork, said the frontage was in danger of falling down and that work had to be done to save it.

The shop, which sells shoes, wellington boots and clothes, is a protected structure in the county development plan under the special architectural and artistic/social category.

It also featured in an Irish tourist magazine from the 1970s.

But Mr Ryan said he did not realise he had to contact the county council before the work was started.

“It was my fault. That was an oversight on my part,” he said. “I knew the building was protected and I knew it was a heritage building but I didn’t realise the procedures.

“I wouldn’t dishonour my father’s memory. It was never my intention to destroy the structure. I can, however, assure people that it was only my intention to restore the building, which will be returned to its former glory.”

WJ Ryan’s was built around 1880. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage describes it as an attractive late 19th century house and shop front which retains much of its early character and charm in the decorative render detailing and fine shop front.

“As part of a late 19th century terrace on the main thoroughfare in Mitchelstown, it makes a positive contribution to the streetscape,” it said.

But Mitchelstown Heritage Society raised concerns with the county council after the builders began work on the Lower Cork Street premises on Sunday.

The society’s spokesman, Bill Power, described the premises as “one of the most important surviving traditional shop fronts in Mitchelstown”.

He said the society had offered to help its owners apply for grant aid to restore the shop front, and had reminded them that the building was a protected structure, and that planning permission would be needed for any works.

But Mr Ryan said wooden panels, which were in place sine 1913, were rotten.

“My biggest fear was that it would collapse on somebody,” he said.

He has retained old signage, large glass mirrors, internal shutters, and old door handles, which will be reinstated once the work is completed, probably next week.

He has already reinstated some of the shop front, which was inspected yesterday by county council heritage officers.

They will liaise with Mr Ryan as the work continues. He will also have to apply for planning retention.

Mr Ryan said he has no intention to altering the inside of the shop, which is also protected.