€821,000 bid brings historic O'Curry Street building into permanent public ownership
Mayor of Limerick John Moran has confirmed that a bid of €821,000 from Limerick City and County Council, funded through his Mayoral Fund, has been accepted by Shannon Foynes Port Company to purchase the historic Sailors' Home building on O'Curry Street, bringing an end to the company's competitive auction process.
The acquisition guarantees permanent public ownership of the building and secures the future of one of Limerick's most distinctive heritage landmarks.
The purchase delivers on a commitment in the Mayoral Programme to work with Limerick and Foynes Port Company toward “the restoration of the Sailors' Home as a new cultural facility.” It also reflects a broader priority to protect historic buildings from “decay and neglect” and to see disused buildings repurposed for “cultural activities and community gatherings.”
The Mayor and local councillors will now begin developing a plan for new uses for the building, with the public interest of Limerick at its heart.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran said:
“Going into the election, I promised to work harder to secure strategic, especially historic, assets that can shape the future of our city and county. The acquisition of the Sailors' Home moves intent into delivery.
I first truly fell in love with the public potential of this building when, as Chair of the European Expo 2022, we chose to host there part of the EIB art collection visiting Limerick for the 'Belonging' exhibition. This magnificent building is part of Limerick's story. It speaks to our maritime heritage, our resilience and our ambition. By securing it through the Mayoral Fund, we want to unlock new opportunities and breathe new life into this space. I want to not just preserve our heritage but have it contribute to the social and economic vitality of Limerick for the benefit of future generations.
Following the devastating fire in 2023, many feared for the future of the Sailors' Home. I want to commend the board and management of the Port Company for not delaying but rather proactively actioning the initial repairs to ensure the future of the building. Today, we can confidently say that its best days lie ahead.
The area from Steamboat Quay to Henry Street and Mallow Street to O'Curry Street has seen under-investment in recent years. I am committed to reversing that for the residents in that area. This is a key part of our city centre, and things are changing quickly for the better. We have already seen the amazingly positive reaction from local residents and others to a small investment during Summer in the City with the urban beach on Steamboat Quay. I want to build on that with today's announcement. We watch too with satisfaction the LDA works kicking off in earnest on the GasWorks Site, with the presence of heavy machinery an early proof of the nearly 300 homes soon to be built there.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir Tom Ruddle said:
“The Sailors' Home occupies a special place in the history and identity of Limerick. Its preservation and acquisition for public ownership is a positive step that protects an important part of our built heritage while creating opportunities for future community and cultural use.
I welcome the collaboration that has helped bring us to this point and look forward to seeing this historic building once again play a meaningful role in the life of our city.”
A Building Steeped in History
Dating from the mid-19th century, the Victorian-era Sailors' Home has played an important role in Limerick's maritime history and later served as a Garda and Constabulary station. In recent years it became a valued cultural and community space before being extensively damaged in an arson attack in July 2023. Shannon Foynes Port Company subsequently carried out significant restoration works, returning the building to a condition that allows for its next chapter.
The acquisition follows a series of actions by the Mayor to safeguard historic buildings and monuments across the county, including historic train stations along the Greenway, the medieval Merchant's House in Kilmallock, the Market House in Kilfinane, the old Bank of Ireland in Rathkeale, the Patrick Sarsfield statue in Limerick City, and ongoing work on the 1916 Monument on Sarsfield Bridge.
Next Steps
Work will now begin on developing a long-term vision for the building in consultation with stakeholders, heritage experts, community organisations and the wider public. Further details regarding the future use and development of the Sailors' Home will be announced in due course.