WORK is due to commence shortly on the first phase of a refurbishment of the stand-alone building on O’Curry Street, that was latterly used as a Garda Station. The protected structure was originally built in 1858 as a home for Limerick sailors and seamen. Shannon Foynes Port Company secretary, Frank Lynch, has confirmed to the Limerick Post that work will commence on restoring and weatherproofing the building’s roof within the next few weeks.
Two years ago, the 99-year lease on the building reverted back to Shannon Foynes Port Company, which will oversee the building’s refurbishment.
Mr Lynch said that work on the roof is a priority.
He would not comment on any further plans for the building – its complete restoration or to what use it will be put.
“I am not a spokesperson for the company on this issue,” he said.
On an inspection of the building last year, this reporter saw that the main staircase leading to the first floor was severely damaged by rainwater and was in danger of rotting.
Broken windows were allowing the elements into the building and there was a large hole in the roof.
The local historian, Dr Tadhg Moloney, contends that if the relevant conservation work is carried out, the building could be brought into effective use, while retaining its civic character and significance.
Dr Moloney has described the building’s condition as “at the point of terminal dilapidation.”
