Brian Crowley, the founder of healthcare recruitment group TTM Healthcare, and his wife, Susan Crowley, have submitted plans to Clare County Council to demolish a four-bedroom home in the seaside resort of Lahinch. The proposal involves the removal of the existing property, known as Thalassa, to make way for a new detached dwelling that would be more than double the original size.
The Acquisition of Thalassa
The Crowleys purchased Thalassa at Seapark, Lahinch, for €1.005 million. The property was acquired through an online auction last June that lasted one hour and seven minutes, with bidding starting at €650,000.
The Crowleys secured the property after beating five other bidders. An entry on the Residential Price Property Register confirms the sale was finalized on August 13th of last year.
Built in 1971, the home was described in its online brochure as being “situated on an elevated site with uninterrupted panoramic views overlooking Lahinch Beach,” noting its position in one of the west coast of Ireland’s most sought-after locations.
Plans for a Modern Replacement
The proposed new build represents a significant increase in scale. While the current home at Thalassa comprises 126 square metres of floor space, the proposed replacement would have a gross floor space of 314 square metres.
The project aims to create a home that is compliant with Nzeb (Nearly zero energy building) standards to ensure high energy efficiency.
Professional Justification
Chartered architect Paul Keating of JE Keating and Associates Architects provided the justification for the demolition to Council planners. In an email, Keating stated that “the existing house is in a poor state of repair and is unviable as a refurbishment option and as a result we are proposing to demolish the existing house and construct a new build.”
Keating emphasized that the design team is “acutely aware of the sensitivity of the site and its location in a settled housing estate.” He noted that the approach respects the proximity of adjoining neighbors and the existing pattern of development.
Keating pointed out that Thalassa is not located within an Architectural Heritage Conservation Area, nor is it a protected structure.
Business and Athletic Background
Brian Crowley is a former EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and previously represented Ireland in boxing at the under-age level.
His business, TTM Healthcare, has seen significant growth. In 2024, the group generated revenues of €144.26 million, with pre-tax profits increasing by eight per cent to reach €12.46 million.
The Path Forward
The window for lodging objections to the application has now closed, and no objections have been filed. A decision from the Council is expected next month, which will determine if the demolition and subsequent construction may proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the existing home being demolished instead of renovated?
According to architect Paul Keating, the house is in a poor state of repair and is considered unviable for refurbishment.
How much larger will the new home be compared to the old one?
The new home will have a gross floor space of 314 square metres, compared to the 126 square metres of the current building.
Does the property have any heritage protections?
No, the architect has confirmed that Thalassa is not a protected structure and is not located within an Architectural Heritage Conservation Area.
Do you think modern energy-efficiency standards justify the demolition of older homes in settled estates?
