THE LIMERICK City Fire Station on Mulgrave Street is set to receive a long overdue facelift after 40 years of decay issues in the building’s brickwork are dealt with.
The proposed works will include removing the existing brickwork facade in its entirety, replacing it with a mechanically-fixed brick slip system and rendered cement board finish.
The existing parapet height will be raised and existing handrails will be removed as part of the works.
Alterations to existing facades, comprising of alterations to window openings, replacement of windows, and alterations to existing glazing fenestrations will also be carried out.
Speaking at this month’s meeting of the Metropolitan District, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gerard O’Donoghue said: “We are doing works to the outer facade building as a result of the outer leaf being in disrepair due to freeze/thaw action and damage to the outer leaf.”
“We have to replace all the brick on the outside of the station on Mulgrave Street, so we are taking the opportunity to add a lift into the building to make it compliant for disability access and also to do other minor improvement works.”
The enclosure of the existing undercroft in the Mulgrave Street fire station will see full height glazing to the south-west of the existing structure and the installation of an internal lift from the ground floor lobby to the first floor and all ancillary site works.
“The building dates from 1984 and it has stood well so far,” councillors were told by Mr O’Donoghue during his presentation at County Hall.
“As a result of the issue with the outer brick, we’ve had to install protection on the entrance for members of the public and hoarding,” the assistance chief fire officer told the chamber.
“We’ve had to take certain areas of the station out of use and that’s because those bricks are falling off. To look at them up close, you can see the extent of it. It is sort of decaying and fragmenting and breaking off and is problematic, so it has to be dealt with as a health and safety issue.”
The primary objective of the proposed works, according to the local authority, is to revamp the existing office space and create a functional and modern environment that prioritises efficiency, comfort, and productivity. The design encompasses the retrofitting of the lobby the creation of a dedicated historical display area and improved offices for sub and station officers.
Council Chief Executive Dr Pat Daly takes the view that the proposed external alterations will modernise the existing building and complement the existing court complex, which is directly opposite the site.
“A raised parapet at roof level will tidy up the roof line over the two-storey administration wing and the single-storey station building,” he concluded.
