Emergency service deployed to fire at former Limerick hotel

FIRE crews were deployed to an incident at a former Limerick city centre hotel this Thursday evening.

Three units of Limerick Fire and Rescue Service were called to a blaze at the old Railway Hotel building, which dates back to 1871.

It came after flames were spotted billowing out of the front of the complex, which is opposite Limerick Colbert station.

Footage of the fire has been shared across social media.

READ MORE: Man charged with rape at leisure centre was an international protection applicant in Limerick at the time

A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed the crews were sent to the scene of the blaze in Parnell Street at around 10.10pm from Limerick Fire Station at Mulgrave Street.

They departed the area around 30 minutes later.

It is not clear at this time as to the nature of the incident, and whether there were any injuries.

Before it closed in 2016, the Railway Hotel was the oldest hostelry in Limerick.

Last month, An Bord Pleanala cleared the way for a new student accommodation complex at the former hotel.

The proposals will see the redevelopment of the complex, and the building of a a new seven-storey building behind.

It's anticipated some 111 students will be housed in total across 25 apartments, and outside of term time, these bed spaces may also be used for tourist accommodation.

The neighbouring former McEnery's general store will be demolished according to the plans. A ground floor cafe is planned at Parnell Street.