Call to convert vacant Limerick shops to city centre townhouses

A CITY centre landlord has called for the change of use of land in order to convert out-of-use shops to townhouses in Limerick.

Eddie Molloy, who is a member of the Limerick City Centre Traders Association, believes that up to 50 units across the urban area are no longer suitable for retail spaces, and the local authority should look at other uses for them.

As things stand, if someone did wish to convert a shop into a place to live, they would need to seek permission from the council to change the use.

But there is the possibility this would be refused.

This is because in most cases, the land is zoned as commercial.

It would need to be rezoned to residential to allow housing, something that only councillors can do.

However, Mr Molloy says he feels it’s a worthwhile step, given the number of vacant retail units in Limerick.

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The owner of a number of commercial units, he said: “Historically, if you look at most of these properties, they were originally live-in homes. As time went on, they became commercial. A lot of those are not commercially viable any more. Their size particularly so, but they have wonderful overhead space. At least two stories if not more. We could look at creating townhouses.”

It would be a case of back to the future, with many business people of yesteryear choosing to live over their shop.

“We need to get back to that living over a shop. But forget the shop, let's make it a whole residential home,” he said.

Mr Molloy said given the change in consumer behaviour and the rise of internet shopping, many high street units may never again be fit for shops.

He also criticised the O’Connell Street revitalisation, the first phase of which was finally completed earlier this year.

“I think the O'Connell Street scheme of one lane going through our main thoroughfare is nothing short of a disaster. It prohibits the city people visiting the city. They are stuck in traffic. We need to discuss this sensibly and reasonably. And if we've made a mistake, hands up, let's change and go by,” he said.

“We have a fine city, but to be attractive, we need access,” Mr Molloy concluded.

A second phase of the revitalisation of O’Connell Street is planned. It will see a redesign of the street from outside the new International Rugby Experience up to the water fountain at the Crescent.

No date has been given for this.