New vision emerges to protect historic landmark buildings in Limerick

THE STONE Mansion in Kilmallock and the Market House in Kilfinane have a lot in common - they were centres of activity in the Limerick towns, give a glimpse into our collective past but have seen better days.

The Victorian Stone Mansion is the best surviving example of the mediaeval merchants’ houses that once lined the streets of Kilmallock. It dates back to the 16th century when Kilmallock was the chief town of the Earls of Desmond.

The Market House in Kilfinane is relatively newer, circa 1760s, and once formed the centre of commercial, social and historical activity in the town.

Courts were held here to deal with legal and land ownership issues. Fairs and Tuesday markets were held until the 20th century.

Historic Limerick building may be repairable following fire initial assessment suggests

Cllr PJ Carey asked for updates on plans for both buildings at a recent Cappamore-Kilmallock meeting.

The council said the Market House in Kilfinane is in council ownership and the property management section of the council will procure a conservation structural engineer to assess the building and a plan will be drafted which will include actions to prevent further deterioration of the stone work and integrity of the building.

The council has arranged for extensive treatment works to be undertaken on the ivy overgrowth on the building in accordance with a treatment plan provided by the conservation officer Tom Cassidy.

In addition, rubbish removal has been arranged internally and the entrance has been re-secured.

With regard to the Mansion House the council is working with a number of government departments over a joint application for funding and to finalise the draft vision statement.

It is still proposed to offer the local authority the building and the rear courtyard on a long-term lease.