Developer confirms plans to revive former Debenhams building in Limerick

THE NEW owner of the former Debenhams building in the heart of Limerick city has revealed talks are under way to bring it back to life.

Limerick Live can reveal Galway developer Michael McDonagh has bought the site, which was put on the market after the British retail chain collapsed in 2020 leading to the loss of 110 jobs in the city.

And, he says, a number of options for the vast building are being looked at, including potentially a mix of retail, student accommodation or an apart-hotel.

“We cannot afford to leave it as is. We need to do something with it,” he said. “If anything is going to happen anywhere in Limerick, it will happen there.”

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The potential of more student accommodation will no doubt be welcomed by the University of Limerick (UL) which is looking to increase its footprint in the city centre.

“We are happy with our investment. We want to try and get the right sustainable mix, in terms of commercial and residential upstairs,” said Mr McDonagh.

The developer revealed there has been a variety of offers already made on the site, and regular meetings are taking place with Limerick City and County Council officials, who he described as being “very proactive.”

“We are looking at possibly doing an apart-hotel or student accommodation. That seems to be the way we are going with it. There seems to be a steady market there,” he added.

As well as regular meetings with council officials, Mr McDonagh is part of a consortium of landowners who are feeding into the proposed redevelopment of Arthur’s Quay as part of the World Class Waterfront project.

Mr McDonagh said: “We have been a bit slow to make a decision because there have been so many different combinations of offers. We just haven’t seen anything yet we are totally happy with.”

Since buying the building – which was on the market for €9m – a new roof has been installed, with the old one allowing water in.

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Metropolitan district leader Cllr Olivia O’Sullivan has welcomed the purchase of the former Debenhams building.

She said: “It’s hugely positive news. It’s great to hear the owner of the building is engaging with the council.”

Debenhams had occupied the building at the junction of Sarsfield Street and O’Connell Street, since 2006 after it acquired Roches Stores.