New funeral parlour proposed for Tullamore

An existing house on Tullamore's O'Connell Street has been earmarked to become a new funeral parlour.

According to planning documents lodged with Offaly County Council on April 13, PJ Lambe, David Lambe and Edel Kenny are seeking permission for a change of use of an existing house on O'Connell Street into a funeral parlour.

It is the second occasion on which the trio have sought planning permission for a new funeral parlour in Tullamore town centre.

In October of last year planning permission was refused by An Coimisiún Pleanála for a proposed funeral parlour on Tullamore's Main Street.

The planning board overturned Offaly County Council’s earlier decision to give planning approval to PJ Lambe, David Lambe and Edel Kenny to convert an existing commercial unit on Main Street in Tullamore into a funeral parlour. The Coimisiún decision came on foot of an appeal by David Gibb.

In its ruling, the Coimisiún said it considered the proposed change of use to a funeral parlour would constitute an inappropriate use given the absence of parking/set down area associated with the hearse.

It said this would result in undue traffic congestion, would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and obstruction of road users, and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The Coimisiún also said that the lack of dedicated parking for the hearse was a serious constraint associated with the site.

The new planning application submitted by PJ Lambe, David Lambe and Edel Kenny, also seeks permission for a canopy over the front entrance, signage, alterations to windows/doors at the front of the building, alterations to road layout to create additional parking spaces and all associated site works.

The owner of the existing house where the proposed funeral parlour is to be located is listed as Rita Lambe.

A decision is expected from Offaly County Council by June 6.