Banking on it: Former banks in Limerick towns to be converted into housing units

PLANS to transform vacant, former bank buildings to house over 40 Ukrainian nationals are to progress, after public meetings helped allay local concerns in two west Limerick towns.

Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) has announced plans to convert two former Bank of Ireland branches in Abbeyfeale and Askeaton into temporary accommodation in 12 weeks, by late June.

Both properties will provide a communal kitchen and recreational space. A total of 44 people are expected to be housed under the government funded Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Project - 21 in Askeaton and 23 in Abbeyfeale.

While the community councils in both Abbeyfeale and Askeaton are supporting the project, it has also been met by some opposition in the latter, where a petition, created by a local, was signed by approximately 350 people. Representing Askeaton, Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey was one of those who signed the petition and has spoken out against the plans a number of times in meetings.

Hundreds sign petition over use of former Limerick bank for refugees

Cllr Teskey said: “The key issue is this is about the most iconic centralised building in the town, which was originally purchased on the premise that it was going to be turned into a community e-hub to facilitate the people of Askeaton, in terms of high-access broadband, and the access of much-needed space to drive business forward.”

In contrast, the local authority and both community councils are supporting the repurposing of the vacant buildings, with Ukrainian Response Accommodation Lead with LCCC, Sonja Reidy, speaking highly of the ‘welcome’ being given by both localities. She said: “The welcome being provided by the two communities, in Abbeyfeale and Askeaton, is a reflection of the warmth and kindness of those who call west Limerick home.

“It provides great comfort to know that Abbeyfeale and Askeaton will be able to provide safe and inviting places to stay for those fleeing Ukraine.”

Community council meetings were held in both towns, respectively, on April 12 and 13. In Askeaton, the vacant bank is located on the East Square of the town.

A person who attended the Askeaton meeting said: “There was a lot of negativity from some quarters about this. I’m much happier after hearing the facts.”

The general consensus in Abbeyfeale was positive: “When everyone works together with a proactive mindset, the outcome is always positive.”

Over 2,000 Ukrainian people have already been housed in Limerick.