Engineers appointed to probe fire damage on historic Limerick building

A FIRM of conservation engineers has been put in place to investigate the fire damage done to a landmark city centre building.

That's according to Maria Woods, a senior planner in Limerick's planning department, who addressed questions on the blaze at the Sailor's Home in O'Curry Street at this month's metropolitan district meeting.

She confirmed that following the blaze, which ripped through the building, its owners the Shannon Foynes Port Company had put in place staff to investigate what needs to be done.

At this month's metropolitan district meeting, councillors Joe Leddin and Elisa O'Donovan had motions asking staff of the local authority to liaise with the property's owners regarding its ongoing management.

Councillor Leddin said: "It does raise the point in terms of the responsibility the owners have. If buildings are listed in an inventory, there is a responsibility they be put to good use. It's in that context I put in the motion today. Everyone wants to see this building restored. It was hugely upsetting not just for the neighbourhood but everyone in the city who has a love for our buildings and built environment."

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He says it's time for everyone interested in the Sailor's Home to "up their game".

Calling for a working group strategy for its restoration and future use, Cllr Leddin said there cannot just be "ad-hoc" interaction on the building, "but day-to-day engagement in terms of business, the social and cultural life of the city."

Cllr O'Donovan, who seconded the motion, described the fire as "a mindless act of vandalism".

"I met with residents after this attack and there was a palpable sense of sadness and a lot of fear from some of residents at the coal face as they live close by. Councillors are in a frustrating place as we don't manage or own the building as it puts us in a difficult position to do anything," she said.

The City West councillor has held talks with the chief executive of Limerick Civic Trust David O'Brien.

She says the heritage group's members have expressed a wish to take over the running of the home, which up to the fire was sparsely used.

"It should be open to more community groups, and not just open at the behest of Shannon Foynes Port Company to decide who can use it," Cllr O'Donovan told the meeting.

Donal Creaton, who chairs Limerick Civic Trust pointed out the building was top of a list published in 2018 of 104 derelict properties in the city that the group felt should be restored.

"We must take all possible steps to avoid disasters like this reoccurring. I truly hope that this sad event is a wakeup call for all involved with derelict property - one must use it or lose it but ideally work with us, the Civic Trust, and together we can
achieve something that the whole community may benefit from and be proud of and present our great city in the way it should be so presented . It is now time for action and the Civic Trust is waiting to engage," he said.

In a written response, Ms Woods said: "Within hours of the fire, the architectural conservation officer had made contact with other stakeholders in our build heritage such as the architectural heritage unit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Irish Georgian Society, prior to contacting the chief executive of the Shannon Foynes Port Company to assure him of the council's support for the conservation, restoration and reconstruction of the building. Ongoing contact will be maintained."