Historic Limerick building suffers extensive damage in fire

A 160-year-old building described as “very unusual” and one of the finest on a street in Limerick city has been extensively damaged by a fire overnight.

The building dates back to around 1860, and was once used as an RIC barracks.

Gardai and fire services responded to the blaze at the historic structure on O’Curry Street at around 1am on Saturday.

The building was described as “well alight” by the incident commander upon arrival at the scene, and due to the scale of the fire, additional resources were called for from Cappamore and Rathkeale.

Firefighting efforts, including the use of an aerial ladder, continued until the fire was extinguished at 4.50am.

Garda investigations are ongoing. An examination of the scene was due to take place on Saturday morning.

No injuries have been reported.

The owner of the Sailors’ Home, Shannon Foynes Port Company, said in a statement that it “deeply regrets” the damage done by the fire.

“This is a building with rich architectural heritage and part of the DNA of maritime activity in Limerick, dating back hundreds of years,” it said.

“Our priority now is to make the building safe.

“Once that is achieved, we will assess the extent of the damage.

“We wish thank the fire services and An Garda Siochana for their response to the fire and their work through the night in getting the blaze under control and making the location safe.”

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage describes the Sailors’ Home as “an imposing, decorative and very unusual building, which dominates O’Curry Street”.

“Retaining all of its principal features, this building remains one of the finest on the street and adds to its interest and variety.”

The Limerick Civic Trust said on Facebook that it was “very sad news” to hear of the fire.

“The Limerick Civic Trust have for many years sought to restore and occupy this beautiful old building, we now wish to work with all parties, the Shannon Foynes Port Authority, their agents and others to bring this site back to its original glory,” it said.