Builders move on site at former Debenhams building in Limerick

BUILDERS have moved onto the site of the former Debenhams building in the city centre to start getting it ready for use as an apart-hotel, and two new shops.

Galway developer Michael McDonagh confirmed the news, as he prepares to seek permission from council to make some changes to the plans he has for the landmark unit at O’Connell Street.

Debenhams closed five years ago this month as the Covid-19 pandemic struck globally.

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At that time, the British retail chain collapsed which saw the loss of 110 jobs in Limerick, and all Debenhams shops across the State closing for good.

Mr McDonagh, through his firm Dalespell has had planning permission approved for an apart-hotel and a single retail unit on the ground floor.

But now, he is seeking to have two retail units as opposed to one - with one being the site of the former Debenhams shop and the other being the site of former Gerard unit.

It was confirmed earlier this year that a well-known fashion chain is to take up residence in one of the units.

The most significant change Mr McDonagh is seeking is to add a new floor on top of the protected structure in order to increase the number of rooms he will be able to add to the apart-hotel. The apart-hotel is designed to have 60 rooms.

But if the developer gets permission to add an extra floor, he hopes he will be able to add 12 to 14 rooms.

He says he is targetting the Ryder Cup, set for Adare Manor in 2027, to be open.

An apart-hotel differs from a conventional hotel as it provides self-catering apartments as well as normal hotel facilities. It’s designed for people who might have an extended stay in Limerick city.

“The width of the building does not allow an economic hotel configuration,” Mr McDonagh explained as to why he is proceeding with an apart-hotel instead of a chain hotel.