A LANDMARK former hotel in Limerick City has gotten some new owners.
The former Railway Hotel on Parnell Street, just opposite Colbert Station, has been sold by GVM Auctioneers.
The building has been the subject of a controversial planning application to turn the landmark city structure into student accommodation.
The plans to create space for 111 students on the site had been granted by Limerick City and County Council, but was then appealed to An Bord Pleanála by an Taisce.
An Taisce raised concerns over the number of people who would be living in the student accommodation and the lack of amenity space for the residents.
The organisation also hit out in an objection letter that a proposed extension would be too high and that the “proportions of windows and doors are at odds with other major buildings in the area”.
A decision on the appeal was originally due from An Bord Pleanála in November of 2023, however this was delayed until February 22 of this year.
To date, no decision has been made on the student accommodation plans by the board, and it is unclear what intention for the building the new owners may have.
Auctioneers GVM are remaining tight-lipped on the new owner, and did not respond to requests for comment from the Limerick Post before going to print.
The former hotel had 29 bedrooms, as well as a substantial bar and restaurant area, and has been out of use since its closure in 2016, with the loss of 15 jobs.
