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Home My WebLink About2660033 - F.I. Received Doc. - Application - Cover Letter Owen Finegan B.Sc. (Hons.) MCIOB | Wayne Geary B.Sc. (Hons.) MSCSI MRICS Finegan Jackson Building Surveyors Limited 25th August 2026 Monaghan County Council, 1 Dublin Street, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan. RE: Further Information Request – Planning Ref. 26/60033 – Permission for change of use from existing retail unit to proposed café, demolition of existing recessed shopfront entrance, construction of new shopfront with additional door to first floor level, proposed signage, construction of single storey extension to rear, alterations & additions to interior & exterior, connections to existing services and all associated site works at 4 Parnell Street, Drummond Etra, Carrickmacross. Dear Brian, Please find attached the following documentation in relation to this additional information request: Documents: • This Cover Letter • Additional Information Response • Letter from Applicant RE: First Floor Use Drawings: • Dwg. No. J2026-FI01 – Proposed Shop Front Elevations & Plan With reference to the Additional Information Request Ref. No. 26/60033 dated 31st of March 2026, we reply as follows: THE STABLES, DRUMCONRATH ROAD, CARRICKMACROSS, COUNTY MONAGHAN. A81 YX28 Telephone: (042) 9662275 E-mail: info@fineganjackson.ie Website: www.fineganjackson.ie RECEIVED: 25/09/2026 Owen Finegan B.Sc. (Hons.) MCIOB | Wayne Geary B.Sc. (Hons.) MSCSI MRICS Finegan Jackson Building Surveyors Limited Item 1(a): The proposed location of the ground floor café window has been positioned to the right-hand side of the main entrance, as indicated on the previously submitted drawings. This design approach has been adopted following a detailed assessment of the existing site conditions, accessibility requirements, and the potential impact on the surrounding public realm. Firstly, the existing footpath arrangement includes a dropped pavement level aligned with the current building entrance. Locating the new café entrance in a similar general position allows the proposal to make use of the existing accessible infrastructure, thereby minimising the extent of alterations required to the public footpath and associated paving works. This approach reduces disruption to the existing streetscape and avoids unnecessary intervention to established pedestrian infrastructure. Furthermore, the building and the surrounding streetscape along Parnell Street are situated on a noticeable gradient. Relocating the café entrance to the right-hand side of the façade, further uphill towards Main Street, would result in the external ground level being significantly higher than the RECEIVED: 25/09/2026 Owen Finegan B.Sc. (Hons.) MCIOB | Wayne Geary B.Sc. (Hons.) MSCSI MRICS Finegan Jackson Building Surveyors Limited existing internal finished floor level. This level difference would necessitate additional measures, such as ramps or internal floor alterations, to achieve compliance with accessibility standards. By contrast, the proposed entrance location on the left -hand side aligns more closely with the existing internal floor level and the adjacent footpath level, facilitating a level-access entrance. This provides a more practical and inclusive solution for all building users, including wheelchair users, elderly persons, and individuals with reduced mobility. The proposed arrangement therefore represents the most appropriate location from both an accessibility and engineering perspective, while also minimising the impact on existing public infrastructure. For these reasons, it is considered that the proposed entrance location provides the optimum balance between accessibility, functionality, and preservation of the existing streetscape. Item 1(b): As part of the proposed refurbishment works, the building will undergo a comprehensive external upgrade aimed at improving its visual appearance and overall contribution to the streetscape. It is proposed the existing façade will be repainted using a muted yellow/mustard tone, selected for its compatibility with the traditional character of the area and its ability to complement the varied palette of colours present within the surrounding streetscape. The chosen finish shall not be overly contemporary that could detract from the architectural character of the street. The proposed café frontage has been carefully designed to reflect the established architectural character of the existing building and to integrate harmoniously with the traditional streetscape of Parnell Street. The shopfront elements, including the entrance door, vertical emphasis window, decorative pillars with plinths are proposed to be finished in darker brown tones. In addition, detailing such as decorative bands around doors and windows, window cills, quoin stones and fascia signage panel shall be lighter tones of yellow/cream. This colour palette has been selected to provide an appropriate visual contrast with the upper façade while maintaining a traditional and understated appearance that is in keeping with the character of the building and surrounding properties. The proposed fenestration layout has been designed to respect the traditional proportions of openings evident along Parnell Street. The size, scale and arrangement of the proposed café windows and entrance door have been carefully considered to avoid any modern commercial treatments that would be out of character with the area in addition to the proposed surrounding joinery including traditional pilasters, architraves, fascia and cornicing as per Sections 15.2.11 & 15.2.12 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. RECEIVED: 25/09/2026 Owen Finegan B.Sc. (Hons.) MCIOB | Wayne Geary B.Sc. (Hons.) MSCSI MRICS Finegan Jackson Building Surveyors Limited Overall, the proposed materials, finishes and colour scheme have been selected to enhance the visual quality of the building, improve its contribution to the streetscape, and ensure that the development integrates sensitively within its setting. The works will result in a high- quality refurbishment that preserves and reinforces the traditional character of Parnell Street while providing an attractive and functional commercial frontage while also being in compliance with Section 15.4 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031 . Item 1(c): Please see Dwg. No. J2026-FI01 – Proposed Shop Front Elevations & Plan which indicates the proposed shopfront finish. Furthermore, please see the below concept of the proposed rear extension. RECEIVED: 25/09/2026 Owen Finegan B.Sc. (Hons.) MCIOB | Wayne Geary B.Sc. (Hons.) MSCSI MRICS Finegan Jackson Building Surveyors Limited Item 2: Please see the attached letter from the applicant which indicates there are currently no plans to change the use of the first floor from its existing use as per Planning Ref: 00/50008. Item 3: Please see Dwg. No. J2026-FI01 – Proposed Elevations which indicates the proposed signage. Likewise, with that outlined in Item 1 above, the proposed signage will form an integral part of the new café frontage and has been designed to be modest, sympathetic and appropriate to the character of the existing building and surrounding streetscape. The proposed signage will consist of a traditional fascia sign located above the café entrance. The signage will comprise individually applied painted or raised lettering displaying the cafés name. The lettering will be proportionate to the scale of the shopfront and designed to ensure a high- quality visual appearance without dominating the building façade. The fascia panel and associated signage will be finished in a lighter tone yellow to contrast with the surrounding front and main building façade. The signage design has been intentionally kept simple and understated in order to complement the traditional character of the building and the established streetscape of Parnell Street. No illuminated, flashing, digital, neon or overly projecting signs are proposed as part of this application. The signage will be fixed to the fascia panel and will not significantly project beyond the building line. As such, it will not adversely impact the visual amenity of the area or detract from the character of the streetscape. RECEIVED: 25/09/2026 Owen Finegan B.Sc. (Hons.) MCIOB | Wayne Geary B.Sc. (Hons.) MSCSI MRICS Finegan Jackson Building Surveyors Limited The additional information is not deemed significant and as such there is no requirement to advertise or erect site notices. Could you please confirm in writing that the enclosed is acceptable. Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours Sincerely, Ryan McEneaney B.Sc. (Hons.) Build. Surv. RECEIVED: 25/09/2026