Concern raised at changes to front of former shop in Limerick

THIRTEEN groups and individuals have written to council to express opposition to changes to a former shop front in the city centre.

A mid-terraced Georgian property at 69 Catherine Street was once home to a betting shop, a beauty parlour and, most recently, a hair salon.

Now, developers are understood to be turning away from retail and instead building apartments on the site in the heart of the street.

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Changes were made at the front of the building, and developers sought what is known as retention permission from the council to keep these alterations.

Retention permission is permission which is sought after the works have been carried out.

Among those objecting to the retention permission were heritage body An Taisce Limerick, the Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society and a number of local business owners.

“This shopfront needs to be restored from what looks like a garden shed to an elegant city centre four-storey building. Wooden sash windows should be put in, a traditional shopfront and a proper front door,” wrote Independent councillor Maria Donoghue, who was one of those writing to local planners with concerns. Another added the character of the street has been changed.

It remains to be seen what will happen with the development.

This is because the application for retention was withdrawn on March 14.