Limerick pubs set for new lease of life after council purchase

LIMERICK City and County Council has formally acquired two rural former pubs.

The local authority has bought the former Village Inn at Feenagh, and the building which once housed The Shannon House in Main Street at Foynes, but has not operated since early 2018.

These properties - both located in west Limerick - are among 12 premises the local authority has bought under legislation designed to stop buildings falling into dereliction.

The Shannon House in Foynes was on the market for €400,000, and was advertised as having three bars, a function room which can accommodate up to 150 people, alongside a one-bedroom apartment.

Described as a “landmark licensed premises”, it was also brought to market with nine guest bedrooms.

In the city centre, a former garda station also looks set for a new lease of life.

The old barracks at Lord Edward Street - closed since 1987 - was also acquired along with a number of private homes.

Council has announced ‘vesting orders’ have been made on these properties.

It means its owners now have a year to make contact with the local authority, before the council ownership of these buildings can be finalised and rubber-stamped.

In terms of the garda station, a council spokesperson said the property has been “detracting from the amenity and character of the neighbourhood.”

“The vesting of this property and its subsequent redevelopment will have a significantly positive effect on the area and the people who reside there,” they said.

Council says it's increasing its efforts in addressing issues of dereliction and vacancy this year.

Gardaí paid €87k to police Limerick events in 2022

The spokesperson said the council has been given €9m from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to support more compact and sustainable development.

“In line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan, this will enable a greater proportion of residential and mixed-use development to be delivered to ensure that more parts of our urban areas can become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work,” they added.

It’s likely that any properties the council acquires will be sold on the private market, with a condition that any buyer redevelops the building in a set time period.

Ultimately, it will be the role of councillors to approve or deny any sale.