City nightspots get the green light to reopen

ONE of Limerick’s well-known nightspots is ready to reopen, a year after it was closed down with debts of €4 million.

Kieran Murray and his brother Frank have reached an agreement to reopen the Brazen Head bar, which also houses Ted’s nightclub and the adjacent building which houses three bars; Bentley Barkers, Isaac Taylor and the Piano Bar.

The premises, at 101, 102, 103 and 104 O’Connell Street, was closed down in March 2004 after Anglo Irish Bank appointed a receiver. The bank said it was owed €4 million.

It is believed the receiver has now reached an agreement with property developer Robert Butler for the sale of 103 and 104 O’Connell Street for a sum in the region of €4 million.

These buildings contained the Sports Bar and a shop.

Kieran Murray said he was confident the Brazen Head, Teds, Isaac Taylors and Bentley Barkers will be back in business within eight weeks, subject to the licensing court.

The new arrangement will involve Kieran and Frank Murray, their sister Clodagh and Kieran’s wife Louise.

Kieran Murray said: “We felt all along the business should not have been closed, but allowed trade out of its difficulties. Since the closure, O’Connell Street has been dark and dreary at night. It is a prime location and as well as the extensive indoor facilities we have a fine outdoor beer garden area at the rear.”

Mr Murray said he was confident there was room for expansion of the night entertainment scene in the city centre.

“The more venues you have in the city centre the more attractive it will be for people to come in at night. The city centre has become much safer with garda patrols backed up by the new CCTV security camera system,” he said.

If and when they get the final go-ahead from the licensing court, he said they would commence recruiting staff.

“When we closed we left 60 people go. I would imagine we will be hiring as many again to reopen for business,” added Mr Murray.