Work is ongoing on the Conservation of Boole House on Batchelor’s Quay with the building scheduled for completion by April 2017. The aim is to create a George Boole visitor and exhibition centre on the ground floor, with offices and education facilities on the upper floors.

   In a response to Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy by the Director of Planning in Cork City Council it was noted that the Consolidation and Conservation Repair Works contract (Phase 1) commenced on site in July 2016 and is progressing well and is approximately 50 % complete. The contract is dealing with the main structural elements along with roofing and weathering issues such that the building will be in a sufficient good state in preparation for a larger contract for the completion of the building by UCC at a later stage (phase 2).

   The unstable rear wall has been removed and the structure stabilised, with the addition of a new steel frame, which also supports the new floors and roof. The bow-fronted section is being restored in line with RIAI Conservation best practice. The building is due to be invested over to UCC on completion of the current works with completion programmed for April 2017. Cllr McCarthy noted: “this is a great project for this corner of the city and has many win-win situations – cleaning up the derelict corner around St Vincent’s Bridge and Batchelor’s quay, bringing a sustainable use to old Georgian building whilst highlighting a giant in international mathematical history, that of George Boole”.