LIMERICK city centre is taking on a new look.
The Pier Hotel, on Sarsfield Bridge, has reopened, under new management.
A spokesperson told the Limerick Post that the bar and restaurant are already up and running, and that the bedrooms will reopen shortly, after a major revamp.
“We are looking forward to trading in this busy location, and welcoming back old and new customers”.
Pier One closed about three years ago.
Business people in the vicinity have expressed delight that it is again to be a fully functional hotel.
Meanwhile, Michael Guiney has given a massive vote of confidence to his native city with a major extension to his William Street premises.
And it has emerged that deals have been struck on number of vacant units in the city.
Croom-born Mr Guiney, who also runs successful operations in Dublin, Tralee, Cork and Waterford, has taken over the former Remix and Choice Fashion shops in the Williamscourt Mall.
Guineys will now front onto William Street.
Remix have relocated to a vacant unit at Arthur’s Quay, while Choice, trading for 20 years, has transferred to No 58 William Street, once the ‘home’ of Denis Moran’s menswear.
Pat Kearney of Rooney Auctioneers, who negotiated on behalf of Guiney’s, told the Limerick Post that there was a marked revival of interest in the city centre area.
“Michael Guiney’s latest investment is a vote of confidence. From my dealings with him, I know he is very positive about Limerick”.
Rooneys, celebrating their 40th birthday this week, have concluded upwards of 10 transactions in recent weeks, and expect to finalise another three before the end of the month.
“The former O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar in William Street has changed hands and is to reopen within a fortnight, and Alphonsus and Jacqui Franklin have already opened a shoe repairs and sales at the former Budget Travel Shop in Sarsfield Street”.
Rooney also identified a new owner for the Loaf Shop in Roches Street, which ceased trading last month.
Dell executive Paul O’Reilly, who grew up in Shannon, has taken up the leasehold interest there and has designs on a milk shake bar.
Said Paul, who has just returned after climbing Kilimanjaro: “I have travelled the world with Dell and am well acquainted with business. I see great potential in Limerick. Despite what has been said, the outlook is good, and I would not be investing if I didn’t have confidence in the future of the city”.
Costa Coffee, meanwhile, are to open at the Childers Retail Park.
Eircom’s E Mobile opened their new Cruises Street store this week.
Ms Maria Kelly, Limerick Chamber, welcomed the latest developments.
“I have spent six years talking up the positives of Limerick city and these are moves in the right direction”.
While Limerick Chamber is anxious to see the emergence of a major high street name in the city centre, it emerged this week that Marks & Spencer have deferred future investment in Ireland for a four-year period.
They are opening a new premises in Douglas, Cork, this month, and a spokesperson said that apart from plans for a store in Swords, county Dublin, there would be no other openings before 2015.
