Disposal of heritage centre to Discover Limerick DAC proposed
THE DISPOSAL of Adare Heritage Centre from Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) to Discover Limerick DAC has been proposed.
Discover Limerick DAC is an established company, wholly owned by LCCC and it operates and develops key tourist sites in Limerick that will strengthen Limerick as a tourist destination.
Adare Heritage Centre consists of a historical exhibition area, retail units (Adare Woollens/Black Abbey Crafts), The Dovecote Restaurant, and public welfare facilities (male, female, enabled WCs).
Key elements of the proposal involve the fact that the building is now “in need of modernisation”.
The proposal states that: “Ahead of Ryder Cup 2027 it is timely that this work is now undertaken. The property is located in the heart of the village and links the main car parking with the Main Street. It acts as a hub for visitors and the community and is a key strategic site in Adare.”
“In order to undertake this work, Discover Limerick DAC is tasked with the re-development of the building. In order to carry out this work in the most financially efficient manner, the building needs to be owned by Discover Limerick DAC, a wholly owned subsidiary company of the council,” the proposal read.
The total estimated cost of the refurbishment of the heritage centre is €10 million.
The proposed disposal of the heritage centre from LCCC to Discover Limerick DAC is set at a fee of €1.
Councillors raised concerns at the monthly meeting of the Municipal District of Adare/Rathkeale as it was felt that the proposal was “rushed” and councillors were not properly briefed on the matter.
The proposal was called “disappointing” by a number of council members as little information was provided regarding the project.
“They didn’t come to us with any of the information about what they were going doing to the building, how much it was going to cost,” Independent Cllr John O’Donoghue said.
The decision was deferred but it is outlined in the proposal that it is hoped that the transaction can take place by November 1 of this year.