Limerick City and County Council is delighted to announce that contracts have been formally signed for the appointment of an integrated design team to lead the redevelopment of the former Bank of Ireland building in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick. The building is a protected structure and a landmark on the main street of Rathkeale. It will be repurposed to serve community needs in the future. The design team is set to work initially to develop preliminary options and layouts before progressing a planning consent application later in the year.
The design team will work in close partnership with Limerick City and County Council’s Rural Development Unit to ensure the project remains on programme. The project is funded under Category 2 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, in collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
The formal contract signing with the design team took place at Council offices in the town of Rathkeale, attended by Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, representatives of Limerick City and County Council and the members of the project design team. A tour of the vacant building was also conducted.
Speaking after, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said:
“This marquee building on Rathkeale’s Main Street has been vacant for many years and we promised in the Mayoral Programme to bring it back to life. We’ve signed contracts now with the consultants, the engineers and the architects that will analyse the building and see what the potential is. Could it be accommodation? A healthcare centre? Should it be a co-living space or community space? The answer is, we don’t know yet, and no decisions have been made. Engagement with the local community will be central to shaping the future of this buidling.”
The appointed integrated design team will be led by Conservation Architect Diarmuid Cronin of Cronin Architects Ltd., a Galway based company who have significant experience in the restoration and refurbishment of buildings of this nature. Diarmuid will be supported by Tobin consultancy who will provide civil and structural engineering assistance, with Mechanical and Electrical Engineering support coming from Limerick based consultants Moloney Fox. Tom McNamara and Partners from Ennis will provide quantity surveying input to the team. Various specialist sub consultants will be engaged as the project develops.
Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Adare – Rathkeale, Cllr Ger Ward commented:
“It was disappointing when this bank building became vacant and a shame to see it idle for so long. There’s huge potential in it and it’s great to see plans now moving forward to bring the building back into use for the community. This is a really positive step for Rathkeale and I know people will be excited to see progress happening.”
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly said:
“The regeneration of this former bank building was identified as a priority in the Town Centre First plan developed by the local community in Rathkeale. The Council is committed to building on that strong engagement and will work closely with the community to shape the building’s future use. The appointment of this very skilled design team marks an important milestone in progressing what is a very exciting opportunity for Rathkeale.”
The design team will now progress the project through the Preliminary Design stage, followed by the preparation of an application for planning consent, with the intention of making the project ‘shovel ready’ in 2027.