Bat colony discovered at former garda station in Limerick village
Limerick City and County Council has begun the statutory process to convert the former garda station in Shanagolden into housing
PLANS to convert a former garda station in County Limerick into housing have been impacted by a colony of bats.
Briefing elected members of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District on the proposal for Shanagolden garda station, architect Michael Moloney said the bats will be “encouraged to migrate” from their current roost and that permanent bat boxes will have to be installed nearby as part of the project.
The local authority has begun the statutory process to convert the former garda station, which closed in 2012, into three housing units.
Each of the units will be self-contained and each will have a small garden. There will also be a large garden at the rear of the property, which will be shared between the occupants.
In his briefing, Mr Moloney said the presence of bats has complicated the project as it means work can only be carried out at certain times of year.
He added that the former garda station – a protected structure – is “rapidly deteriorating” and that it’s important the works are progressed as quickly as possible.
"The roof is starting to fall in and it’s really important that we get in,” he said.
The project, he added, is likely to cost around €1.2 million and it’s anticipated construction will take between 12 and 14 months, once a contractor is appointed.
While welcoming the proposal, Cllr John O’Donoghue commented that “a lot more thought” had been given to the bats rather than those who will be living in the new homes.
When complete, the former garda station will encompass two one-bedroom units and one two-bedroom unit.