Damage assessment to begin on historic Limerick building after fire

OWNERS of the historic Sailors' Home in Limerick city have expressed "deep regret" following the devastating fire which caused extensive damage to the building.

In a statement released by Shannon Foynes Port Company, a spokesperson for the organisation said: "Our priority now is to make the building safe. Once that is achieved, we will assess the extent of the damage."

The company acknowledged the response and dedicated efforts of the fire services and An Garda Síochána. They expressed their gratitude for their tireless work throughout the night to bring the blaze under control and securing the area. 

WATCH: Fire ravages historical Limerick city building

Built in 1858, the Shannon Foynes Port Company adds that this is a building with "rich architectural heritage and part of the DNA of maritime activity in Limerick, dating back hundreds of years."

David O'Brien, Chief Executive of Limerick Civic Trust, expressed his aspirations for the future of the building during an interview with Limerick Live.

As a "great advocate for retaining public facades of buildings," Mr O'Brien believes the house "retains the history and grandeur of the community we live in." 

He highlighted the Trust's goals for the building, stating, "the future of that building is community-based." With the Trust's involvement in three other buildings in Limerick, including two on King's Island and one in the Georgian Quarter on Pery Square, Mr O'Brien believes that taking charge of the Sailor's Home would provide an opportunity to "highlight and enhance the cultural influence in that part of the city."

In line with the building's maritime heritage, Mr O'Brien envisions transforming it into a "multipurpose hub" that celebrates the Docklands and marine life of the city. He hopes that the restoration process, which he believes to be a "multi-million euro" redevelopment, will involve architectural students from local universities, providing them with a unique chance to work on a historic structure.

Limerick Civic Trust would hope to repurpose the Sailors' Home to host contemporary community events while paying homage to its rich past. Mr O'Brien emphasises the importance of acknowledging history while utilising the building for modern purposes, stating, "I don't think any of us want to live in the past, it is to acknowledge the past and utilise it."

He acknowledged the challenges of restoration posed by limited resources and manpower but stressed the urgency of the situation, saying, "now we need to do something urgent, we can't allow this site to become a car park or a derelict site."