Cultural centre planned for Limerick city

PLANNING permission is being sought for a new cultural centre in the heart of Limerick.

Ghousia Masjid has applied to Limerick City and County Council to transform a repair garage in Sexton Street to what is described as a “two-storey cultural centre and place of worship”.

On top of this, a new roof, and elevational changes to the front facade are also planned.

A new first floor is also planned at the site located opposite Sexton Street CBS.

The development comes after previous plans for a culture centre just yards away were scrapped.

Previously, planning permission was sought to knock three derelict buildings in Wickham Street and build a four-storey centre at its junction with Parnell Street, Sexton Street and Upper Gerald Griffin Street.

According to a floor outline provided to council planners, the majority of each floor will comprise of a musalla, which is a space mainly used for prayers by members of the Islam faith.

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An ablution fountain is also planned for both floors.

This is used for worshippers to perform their ritual washing before prayer.

Metropolitan district leader, Cllr Azad Talukder has welcomed the plans for the site.

He said: “The previous place was in traffic, and had other issues. But this is a good decision they have made. It can only be a positive move.”

A decision is due by June 6 next.