Conservation bosses in talks on prime site in heart of Limerick

COUNCIL conservation bosses are having ongoing talks with the owner of a building in Limerick which has been left undeveloped.

At this month’s metropolitan district meeting, Independent councillor Maria Donoghue sought an update on a city centre site in Catherine Street.

Located between 34 and 41 on Catherine Street, the buildings have stood largely untouched for more than 20 years.

Once home to the Desmond Arms nightclub, scaffolding appeared on the complex in 2022 advising of impending development.

The site is being marketed as The Printworks, reflecting a time when this newspaper was printed from a neighbouring building.

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Planning permission is in place for development providing 24 apartments and an office complex.

However, very little has happened since, sparking the question from Cllr Donoghue.

“There is an ongoing engagement between the conservation team and the owner of this building to progress the development of the site,” confirmed senior planner Maria Woods in a written answer.

Cllr Donoghue said she is concerned at the pace of delivery.

“The works never seem to show development or outcome on the site. There never seems to be a lot in the way of work being carried out or personnel on the site, from the street level at least,” the City West councillor said.

She contrasted it with the HSE offices opposite which have undergone repair works, and said the Printworks site would be ideal for housing.