Re: Re: well what about the developments popping up in the shannonside ?

Redevelopment begins at the old County Council buildings
Exclusive by John O’Shuahgnessy
A 50 million euro redevelopment at the former Limerick County Council buildings on O’Connell Street and Henry Street got under way this week. And it’s a redevelopment that will, in the words of developer Sean Geary, “transform the entire area”.

Mr Geary, who purchased the property for a reported 5.5 million euro over two years ago, is being assisted in the development by Len Dineen.

He explained; “The concentration on the moment is on the rear of the property, facing on to Henry Street, and which will absorb the existing shop premises there, including Nolan’s auto care and others.

“The plan is for 42 apartments, 40 per cent of which have been presold, and offices, again with most sold off drawings. The original design on this site was for 120 apartments, but with a huge demand for good quality office space in that part of town, we decided on change.

“The new building, which will open onto Hartstonge Street, will be six stories high and have over 100 car parking spaces. The old county council mews has already been demolished.”

The former county council offices, fronting onto O’Connell Street, are also earmarked for redevelopment but will retain the original facade.

According to Mr Geary: “We are locked in negotiations with some clients to offload at least two of the buildings. It is unlikely that anything will be done here until work is completed at the Henry Street side, where the timespan is 12 months. The likelihood is that this portion of the building will be redeveloped as offices.”

The motor tax office, in Mallow Street, will continue to operate for at least one more year, before being transferred to Dooradoyle.

Mr Geary, who has been associated with a number of other developments in Limerick city, said that both Mr Dineen and himself were quite excited about their latest project.

“It will add a whole new dimension to what is already taking place in Henry Street. If there is a sad aspect it is that Josie Walsh has to vacate his car servicing premises in Hartstonge Street, but new accommodation has been made available to him in Alphonsus Street. Josie has been at his present address for a very long time.”

Local auctioneer Greg O’Connor, of John O’Doherty’s office, welcomed the redevelopment.

“I concur with Sean Geary that good quality office accommodation is in demand. The location is also ideal for apartments.”