New apartments earmarked for seven-storey block in Limerick city 

LIMERICK LIVE can reveal plans to transform an old bank into a new commercial development, alongside living spaces for the city centre.

Developers have signalled their intention to convert the former Bank of Ireland building at 94 O’Connell Street into a shop, new apartments plus a gym and cafe.

Joseph Layden of Layden Property Holdings, the owners of the building, said the project will “bring life to an area of Limerick city which needs re-invigoration.”

The existing bank building, which rises three levels above Limerick’s main thoroughfare will be retained, with a second seven-storey block constructed, should planning permission be given by council. In total, the applicants say there will be 24 new apartments.

The executive chairman of the Dublin-based firm said it’s hoped an application will go before the local authority in the next fortnight.

“I think the redevelopment will bring exciting new activity to a building that has been blank for some time,” added Mr Layden.

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The project has been welcomed by Limerick Chamber, which has long campaigned for central accommodation.

Its chief executive Dee Ryan said: “We are in an era when everyone is aware of the challenges around housing and in particular, we’ve been working very hard with the local authority to improve the livability of the city. So to see a high-quality application coming in proposing residences really is a nod to how the market is viewing the changes and investment council is making in the city.”

According to the planning notice, the former bank building – a protected structure – will remain ‘as is’. Non-historic extensions, walls and railings will be removed, as will internal walls, fireplaces and partitions.

The existing unit is projected to include one one-bed unit, one two-bed unit, and one-three bed unit. The old banking hall is expected to be a commercial unit.

The second, new seven-storey block has been earmarked for four studio apartments, seven one-bed apartments and 12 two-bed apartments, alongside a cafe and gym – bringing the total number of living spaces to 26, as opposed to  the  24 indicated. Other works proposed include a communal storage room, a plant room, while 18 visitor bicycle parking spaces will be provided at Lower Glentworth Street.

Once the application is with the council, a decision date will be set.