Update on construction timeframe for 14-storey building in heart of Limerick

WORK on the landmark 14-storey office building at Opera Square is to kick off in the coming weeks, it has been confirmed.

Construction giant John Sisk and Sons has been awarded the contract for the €70m development, which will overlook the Abbey River at Bank Place in the city centre.

The towering unit will accommodate the Revenue Commissioners and Office, alongside other government departments, and, once complete, it will become the tallest building in Limerick and the Mid-West.

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It's expected it will take around 30 months to complete, with fit-out to follow.

During the building phase, 300 workers will be employed.

Once complete, it will be home to 1,500 civil servants - 950 at any time in a hybrid working model.

It will deliver 100,000 square foot of office space.

Junior Minister at the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said: "This substantial investment in Limerick clearly demonstrates this government’s strong commitment to balanced regional development. This new landmark building will play a key role in the modernisation of OPW’s portfolio and its strategic goal to create more agile, digitally-enabled workspaces that will meet the current and future operational needs of our client Departments and achieve value for money."

Mayor John Moran added: "Driving the Opera Square development has been one of those priorities that keeps me awake at night. Now, I feel, we have real momentum and I welcome today’s announcement. It’s a clear signal of continued Government support for Limerick and our future."

The first citizen pledged to continue to lobby for Governmental support to provide funding for the new City Library, which is projected to also be constructed in Opera Square.

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added: "The new OPW building will bring people, activity, and investment back into the city centre, supporting local businesses and strengthening the heart of our city. It’s a tangible example of Limerick’s renewal and the impact that strategic projects can have on our city’s future."

James Collins, the chairperson of Limerick Twenty Thirty, the council's arm's length firm charged with driving the project forward said: "When we set out on the Opera Square journey, the 14-storey landmark building was undeniably one of the most ambitious and exciting elements of the plans. Advancing it, as we are, confirms Limerick’s ambition to build a world-class urban core and Limerick Twenty Thirty’s capacity to deliver on that ambition."