19th century home to become hostel
The house near Lisselton, which was run as a multipurpose leisure and accommodation centre for schools and young people for 40 years, closed in 2009 because of costs associated with its running. Swimming pool costs alone ran into the hund-reds of thousands of euro.
Nearby residents had objected to plans by the service to knock the old buildings and redevelop the centre. Up to 40 were involved in an appeal against a Kerry County Council decision to grant permission.
As well as the loss of a historic building the residents said they feared the new facility would be used for drug treatment or detention. However, this was denied.
An Bord Pleanála ordered the historic core be retained and gave the go-ahead for the development of a 32-bed hostel.
The swimming pool and leisure centre is not to continue because of cost considerations.
Catherine Kelly, the director of Limerick Youth Service, said they were delighted with the ruling. The plans were for a weekend-type facility for youth clubs and time, scale, and fundraising would likely be addressed when the board of the service meet in November, she said.
