THE ‘Iconic’ building planned for the Limerick Boat Club site still rests with Limerick City Council, who expect to make a decision in January.
Michael Daly, who heads Fordmount Development Company, which is behind the Boat Club project, told the Post that they had adopted a wait and see approach.
“There are a few obstacles in the way -.first of all, the Boat Club would have to be delisted”.
Meanwhile, a reliable source claims City Hall is very well disposed to the project.
The proposed new building has also been mooted as a likely location for the City Library, a restaurant, tourist office, civic area, offices etc.
While the project is provoking strong views from the elected members, with Cllr Kathleen Leddin particularly vocal in denouncing it as “a retrograde step”, Cian O’Carroll, president of the Thomond Archaeological Society, told this newspaper that all 75 members of the Society have signed an objection to the planning application.
“We have grave concerns for the future of Poor Man’s Kilkee and also to the proposed delisting of the Boat Club as a protected structure. We are concerned at proposals to change the city development plan to have the pie and Poor Man’s Kilkee rezoned for commercial use. There are also worries about the impact on the nearby Republican monument, as well as the impact on Shannon Rowing Club, Sarsfield Bwridge and the view of the river from St Mary’s Cathedral”.
While Mayor John Gilligan is on record as having serious reservations, strongly in favour is Cllr Joe Leddin, a long-standing member of the boat club, and Labour’s Cllr Gerry McLoughlin.
Although two Fine Gael councillors, Kevin Kiely and Jim Long have also come out in favour, Cllr Michael Hourigan, leader of the FG representation on city council, says:
“We will meet and discuss this issue as a party- it will be a party decision and we will make a statement as a party”.
The northside councillor said that he asked the city planner, Dick Tobin if, in his opinion, the boat club and club house which only received Protected Structure status in 2004, should be deemed such.
“The reply I received was “that’s very debatable”.
Cllr Hourigan said: “In these recessionary times, I support the right for any appropriate job creation – we need development that is sympathetic to the city in terms of history and the environment, while at the same time supporting economic growth.
“From an architectural point of view – City Hall succeeds because it takes full advantage of the river views compared to King John’s Castle. The Granary is another very good example of a new building that works in with the character of the area”.
A conservation architect’s report, commissioned by the developer, points out that the character of the clubhouse was effectively destroyed in the 1980s, when the building was refurbished and now displays no trace off the original fixtures and fittings. It also points to severe damage to the brick on both buildings.
It summarises that “the alternations and extensions have left these building in poor condition and with the original character largely missing. The only feature of note that remains is the Belfast roof in the boathouse.
