Charity to expand into historic Limerick site
THE SOCIETY of St Vincent de Paul is planning to expand its drop-in centre facility in Limerick to the historic Mechanics’ Institute building next door.
The charity, which supports some of the most vulnerable in society including the homeless, operates out of Ozanam House in Hartstonge Street in the city centre.
Now, with the blessing of the Mechanics’ Institute delegate board, it’s seeking to utilise approximately half of the neighbouring building which dates back to 1824.
A planning application before Limerick City and County Council is seeking the change of use of this part of the Mechanics’ from office to community use.
According to the proposals, the main entrance to the building will be relocated to the side, in order to provide a connection between Ozanam House, where St Vincent de Paul operates.
The Mechanics' Institute was founded out of the trade union movement, and was set up as a place for workers to be educated.
In recent times, it was the constituency office of former Labour TD Jan O'Sullivan.
It was a de-facto employment exchange, with its officers keeping an ‘idlers register’ for people out of work to sign. In turn, if any employer was looking for staff, the institute would share their details.
Mike McNamara, the president of the Limerick Trades Council said St Vincent de Paul made contact around 18 months ago with a view to using part of the building.
“Most of the unions now work out of national offices. We were left with a building nobody was using as such. We wanted its use to be in line with what we do which is looking after those vulnerable in society. It fitted in with the ethos of trade unionism,” said Mr McNamara.
Some of the space will be used as a place where people receiving lunches from the charity can sit down to eat, while there will also be a toilet block and shower rooms.
It's understood the HSE and council will work with St Vincent de Paul on this.
The history of the Mechanics’ Institute will be maintained, with half the building still used by the group, Mr McNamara added. A planning decision is due by July 19. The charity did not return a request for comment.