Training centre for apprentices planned for iconic Carrolls building in Dundalk

Dundalk Institute of Technology is applying for planning permission to convert part of the protected Carrolls Building on the Dublin Road into apprenticeship teaching facilities. The building, designed by Ronnie Tallon of Scott, Tallon and Walker, opened in 1970 as a cigarette factory and offices for P J Carrolls and is recognized as a leading modern industrial building in the Miesian style. It contains artworks by leading Irish artists, including works by Louis Le Broquay and a steel sculpture by Gerda Frömel. The Department of Education purchased the factory for DkIT in 2002. The proposal would create 3,487 sq. m. of training space by modifying interiors, adding workshops, classrooms, and a mezzanine office, and making limited elevation changes including new panels, shutters, doors, and rooflights.

"Dundalk Institute of Technology are applying for planning permission to turn part of the iconic Carrolls Builing on the Dublin Road into a training centre for apprentices. The distinticive building, which was designed by the the legendary Irish architect Ronnie Tallon of Scott, Tallon and Walker, was opened in 1970 as a cigeratte factory and offices for P J Carrolls. It is is recognised as one of Europe's finest examples of modern industrial building designed in the Miesian style."

"It was noted for the collection of artworks by leading Irish artists including Louis Le Broquay as well as the steel sculpture by Czech-born artist Gerda Frömel at the front of the building. The factory was purchased by the Department of Education for DkIT in 2002 after P J Carrolls ceased manufacturing cigerettes there. The majority of the prized art collection was acquired by the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin although a number of works are still on display in the building."

"The Institute's School of Informatics and Creative Arts is housed in part of the building and now plans are in place convert of part of building, which is a protected structure, and the associated former boiler house building, into 3,487 sq. m. of apprenticeship teaching facilities. It is proposed to modify the interior, by stripping out some internal walls and the construction of new motor vehicle workshops, electrical workshops, classrooms and other ancillary spaces, and a new mezzanine office space."

"Minor modifications are also proposed to the elevations. On the Eastern elevation, existing roller shutters will be removed and replaced with brick panels, new roller shutters and escape doors will be provided.On the Southern Elevation, one set of solid access doors is to be provided and two brick faced bays are to be replaced with new glazed screen and fire escape doors to match existing. Two new rooflights are also proposed, to match the existing rooflights."

Read at Irish Independent