AN INVESTIGATION is underway in Limerick after a suspicious fire caused extensive damage to the former Bishop’s Palace on the North Circular Road late on Thursday night.
The landmark property, which was purchased two years ago by Gerry McManus, brother of philanthropist JP McManus, was extensively damaged in the blaze which is thought to have begun sometime before 11.30pm.
Four units of Limerick City Fire and Rescue, including two appliances, a water tanker and the aerial platform “Bronto”, dealt with the blaze for several hours overnight.
The eight bedroom unoccupied residence, which was built in 1845, was once the residence of Limerick Catholic Bishops before it was left unoccupied for a number of years.
Limerick property developer Aidan Brooks originally bought the residence in 2007 for almost €26m.
Extensive plans to redevelop the site were shelved as the economic downturn hit.
In 2014, the property was offered for sale for €1.1m before Mr McManus bought it for an undisclosed sum.
Following Thursday night’s blaze, Mayorstone Gardai are investigating the circumstances and a technical examination will take place to determine the cause of the fire.
