Riverside cafe planned for derelict Limerick building

DERELICT houses on the banks of the Shannon in the city centre look set to become a riverside cafe and bar.

Plans presented to Limerick councillors this week reveal local authority bosses have agreed a sale of the old toll houses at Verdant Place in the entrance to St Mary's Park to the proprietors of JJ Bowles pub in Thomondgate.

Aenghus and Rioghna D'Arcy who run Limerick's oldest pub have agreed a deal to acquire the homes for €120,000.

According to a briefing document given to councillors, the pair plan to "restore the existing houses and create a riverside cafe/bar."

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"An outdoor terrace will be provided with views of the River Shannon, while indoor dining will be provided in a warm, cosy environment," head of property Jayne Leahy wrote in the document.

She added Mr and Mrs D'Arcy will continue to employ locally if complete the purchase of the toll cottages, which have lain idle for an extended period of time.

Around 10 new permanent jobs will be created.

Above: A sketch of how the proposed cafe could appear once complete

Speaking to Limerick Live, Mr D'Arcy said: "The proposal seeks to emulate the qualities that have made JJ Bowles a success
and apply them to the Toll Cottages on Verdant Place. Accordingly, we have put together a strong team including conservation architects, structural engineers and construction professionals, all of whom have experience in conservation and restoration  projects."

"Being within the Medieval Quarter and in close proximity to King John’s Castle, the development will be a worthwhile addition to the tourist offering. In addition, there is scope to take advantage of the amazing amenity that is the River Shannon, with
potential water based activities, which indeed we have seen in JJ Bowles in recent years, with an increasing number of customers arriving by boat," he added.

The toll cottages were acquired by council compulsorily in 2021 due to their derelict state.

Following this, council invited offers from the private sector to purchase the buildings.

There were eight such offers, with a local authority panel rejecting two higher bids for the building - for €130,000 and €150,000 - which would have seen their conversion into housing.

At this month's metropolitan district meeting, members noted the sale of the homes.

It's expected their sale will be rubber-stamped at the full council meeting in November.