LIMERICK could be set to get a youth hostel for the first time in 20 years if new plans before Limerick City and County Council are given the go-ahead.
Well-known nightclub owner Flan Costello is behind the plans that would see the city have its own youth hostel for the first time since 2003.
The proposed hostel, if given the green light, would occupy the former Milk Market Bar on Mungret Street.
It is unclear how many bed spaces would be provided as part of the plans for the proposed youth hostel.
Flan Costello is the owner of well-known nightclub Costello’s on Dominic Street in Limerick City, which closed in 2020.
As part of the plans put forward to Limerick City and County Council Planners, Mr Costello has applied to construct a first and second floor extension to the former bar, including a change of use for a portion of the ground floor to use as a youth hostel, as well as the entire first and second floors.
A smoking area is also planned on the first floor of the property.
This new application follows previous successful applications for a youth hostel at the former Milk Market Bar by Mr Costello in 2014 and 2018.
Despite the previous successful applications, it is understood that work on the proposed youth hostel has not yet gotten underway.
The An Óige youth hostel was the last youth hostel in Limerick, which closed its doors on Pery Square in 2003.
Council planners are due to decide on Mr Costello’s latest planning application by October 25.
News of Mr Costello’s potential new youth hostel for Limerick City comes as an application is due to be submitted for a public dancing licence for the famed Costello’s Tavern on Dominic Street.
A public notice was published in these pages in recent weeks confirming Mr Costello’s intentions to apply for the public dancing license on September 28, signed on his behalf by Sweeney McGann solicitors.
The popular nightclub closed its doors in 2020 on account of the Covid-19 pandemic and has yet to reopen. It is unknown whether the stalwart of Limerick nightlife is scheduled to reopen in the near future.
