Conor McGregor’s Mansion Plans in Kildare: An Architectural Perspective
Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has been at the centre of a planning dispute over his proposed mansion in County Kildare. The ambitious project includes two swimming pools, a cinema, and a bar, yet his architect argues that it is not an overly ambitious proposal. Jason Tyler, representing Tyler Owens Architects, presented the case to the appeals board, highlighting previous planning permissions granted for the site, including a 2017 approval for an additional residence within McGregor’s landholding.
In 2021, McGregor secured approval for a substantial extension to his Paddocks residence in Castledillon, near Straffan, Co Kildare. However, the plan was abandoned after demolition began in 2022. The quality of the existing construction and McGregor’s evolving needs led to the decision to seek permission to demolish the existing five-bedroom home and construct a new 32,693 square foot, six-bedroom family home. This proposed home is significantly larger than the average 1,200 square foot semi-detached house.
The council’s refusal of planning permission prompted an appeal from Tyler, who argued that McGregor aims to build a modern, energy-efficient two-storey family home using superior materials. Tyler contended that replacing one house with another of a similar footprint and location should not warrant a refusal. Despite this, the council had previously rejected the proposal, deeming it excessive and visually incongruous.
Tyler further compared the current proposal to the 2017 permission, which would have increased the overall building footprint to 1,041 square metres, closer to the River Liffey. The current proposal, with a footprint of 977 square metres, was argued to be less intrusive. The 2017 permission expired in 2022 without being acted upon.
McGregor purchased The Paddocks for €3 million in 2019, and planning documents reveal that his staff were to be accommodated in a nearby home at No. 5 Castledillon, now fully owned by McGregor. The acquisition of No. 5 Castledillon for €1.65 million in June 2022 expanded McGregor’s landholding from 5.8 acres to 10 acres. An Bord Pleanála is expected to make a decision on McGregor’s planning appeal by the end of June.
