Council purchases historic Sailors' Home in Limerick for €821,000

Victorian-era building played an important role in Limerick's maritime history and later served as a Garda and constabulary station

In his mayoral programme, Mr Moran had said he would be working with Limerick and Foynes Port Company towards 'the restoration of the Sailors' Home as a new cultural facility'.

John Moran has dipped into his mayoral fund to fund Limerick City and County Council's purchase of a five-bay, two-storey building, dating from 1857, for €821,000.

The mayor placed the €821,000 bid on the Sailors' Home on O'Curry St, bringing an end to a competitive auction process.

Limerick City and County Council's bid, funded through the mayoral fund, was accepted by Shannon Foynes Port Company to purchase the building, which had been extensively damaged in an arson attack in July 2023.

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 his mayoral programme, Mr Moran had said he would be working with Limerick and Foynes Port Company towards “the restoration of the Sailors' Home as a new cultural facility". 

The purchase reflects a broader priority to protect historic buildings from “decay and neglect” and to see disused buildings repurposed for “cultural activities and community gatherings".

With the "public interest at heart", the mayor said he will be working with councillors towards developing a plan for new uses for the building.

Mr 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."

He added: "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."

He said that following the 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."