Limerick City and County Council has officially appointed an integrated design team to oversee the redevelopment of the former Bank of Ireland premises in Rathkeale. The landmark Main Street building, which is a protected structure, is slated for transformation into a hub that will serve the local community.

The project is supported by Category 2 funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, following a collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. The design team will work alongside the Council's Rural Development Unit to develop preliminary layouts and options, with a planning consent application expected to be submitted later this year.

A formal signing ceremony took place at Council offices in Rathkeale, attended by Mayor of Limerick John Moran, council representatives, and members of the design team. Speaking after, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said: "This marquee building on Rathkeale's Main Street has been vacant for many years and we promised in the Mayoral Programme to bring it back to life. We've signed contracts now with the consultants, the engineers and the architects that will analyse the building and see what the potential is. Could it be accommodation? A healthcare centre? Should it be a co-living space or community space? The answer is, we don't know yet, and no decisions have been made. Engagement with the local community will be central to shaping the future of this building."

The design team is led by conservation architect Diarmuid Cronin of Galway-based Cronin Architects Ltd. The team includes Tobin consultancy for civil and structural engineering, Limerick-based Moloney Fox for mechanical and electrical engineering, and Ennis-based Tom McNamara and Partners as quantity surveyors. Specialist sub-consultants will be added as the project matures.

Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Adare – Rathkeale, Cllr Ger Ward commented: "It was disappointing when this bank building became vacant and a shame to see it idle for so long. There's huge potential in it and it's great to see plans now moving forward to bring the building back into use for the community. This is a really positive step for Rathkeale and I know people will be excited to see progress happening."

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly said: "The regeneration of this former bank building was identified as a priority in the Town Centre First plan developed by the local community in Rathkeale. The Council is committed to building on that strong engagement and will work closely with the community to shape the building's future use. The appointment of this very skilled design team marks an important milestone in progressing what is a very exciting opportunity for Rathkeale."

The team will now focus on the preliminary design phase. Following the planning application, the objective is to have the project "shovel ready" by 2027.