Following Monday’s entry on St Loman’s Hospital in Mullingar, County Westmeath, nothing better exemplifies the Health Service Executive’s indifference to the condition of historic buildings supposedly under its care than the state of the property’s gatelodge. This charming little property, adjacent to a road leading into the centre of the town, dates from the last quarter of the 19th century and was soon after extended in a style ‘similar to a Swiss cottage’ to provide a residence for the institution’s head male attendant. When surveyed for buildingsofireland.ie in 2004 it was in decent condition and used as an office. Since then, instead of being refurbished and providing much needed accommodation, it has been allowed to fall into dereliction.

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