Former Limerick hotel could become apartment block

a FORMER hotel on the city’s northside could be converted into residential apartments, according to plans due to be submitted to the council.

The Clarion Suites apart-hotel closed in 2010 with the loss of 25 jobs, and the company behind the development, Budelli Construction, collapsed into receivership.

But now, Shannon Street firm HLB McKeogh Gallagher Ryan, appointed as receivers to the company, is seeking to give the site a new lease of life.

The company is due to lodge five separate planning applications with the local authority, the main one seeking to change the use of the former Clarion Suites Hotel building into 61 apartments.

The move has been described as “absolutely fantastic news” by local councillor Joe Crowley.

The 61-bed hotel, which comprised of one and two bed apartments or suites, was controlled by developers Pat Chesser and Pat Whelan.

It initially closed on a temporary basis in 2010, before manager of the city’s Clarion Hotel at Steamboat Quay Ivan Tuohy confirmed a year later it would not reopen.

The receiver is also seeking to change the use of the neighbouring Ardhu house to allow for a further four apartments.

And in a separate application, McKeogh Gallagher Ryan wants to build three two-storey dwelling houses.

Northside Fianna Fail councillor Crowley said: “It is absolutely fantastic news. It is an eyesore at present. The whole place has been run down. I have been trying to get the overhanging trees removed. The lighting in the place is negligible, so it is dangerous. A lot of money went in it when it was built, so it will be great to see it used again.”