PLANNING permission has been granted to turn the former Debenhams building on O’Connell Street into an aparthotel.
Limerick City and County Council’s planning records show that the development by Dalespell has been granted, subject to eight conditions.
Dalespell had previously applied for permission to turn part of the ground floor, and first and second floors, as well as the entire third floor of the landmark building into an aparthotel.
The basement, ground floor, and a small portion of the first and second floors would remain for retail use.
Among the conditions imposed on the development include that all works be supervised by a Grade II Conservation Architect to ensure all works done to the listed building are in keeping with its architectural heritage.
Also among the conditions are limitations on the hours that work can take place on the site, that all surface water run off be accommodated within the building itself and that a revised proposal for lighting and signage be submitted to the council before the building is occupied.
The confirmation of planning permission comes as the landmark city centre building has been lying empty since the UK clothing chain closed all of its Irish stores in 2020.
