Top brass out of tune with band over demolition

CITY Hall brass in Limerick are out of tune with one of the country’s best known marching bands.

The band doesn’t have to blow its own trumpet about its contribution to the social and cultural life of Limerick. Dating back to 1865, the band has been using the doomed building in Mulgrave Street for more than 50 years. Limerick City Council acquired the building two years ago, through a compulsory purchase order, and now intends to proceed with its demolition in order to build a roadway. An offer of a temporary home for the band was turned down and a spokesperson said discussions about compensation are ongoing.

The city council served a 14-day notice to the band in March 2008 to vacate the property. Band committee chairman John Doyle said the council had given assurances on a premises, but did a U-turn with an offer of a temporary one. “The council will give compensation but all we want is a place to call our own... we’d like a long-term lease,” he said.