Limerick City and County Council has formally appointed an integrated design team, led by Architects Cotter and Naessens, to restore the 16th-century Merchant's House in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, with planning preparation targeted for 2027.

The signing marks a major step in conserving and reactivating one of Ireland's most significant medieval urban sites. Kilmallock was a principal medieval town, and the project seeks to safeguard the building's heritage while turning it into a cultural and community asset.

Contracts were signed at Deebert House Hotel, Kilmallock, in the presence of council representatives and key stakeholders.

The team is headed by Louise Cotter of Architects Cotter and Naessens and includes Grade I Conservation Architect John Hegarty of Fourem Architects, PUNCH Consulting Engineers, Delap and Waller Consulting Engineers, and Tom McNamara and Partners as Quantity Surveyors.

They will work closely with Limerick City and County Council's Rural Development Team. The project is supported under Category 2 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, in collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

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Mayor of Limerick, John Moran welcomed the regeneration of this historic structure: "I promised the Kilmallock community in 2024 to do all I could to get movement on this project. I allocated €300,000 from the Mayoral Fund and I'm delighted to see this has helped to move this along. This project represents a powerful vision for Kilmallock's future, rooted its past. The Merchant's House is a remarkable piece of our shared heritage, and its redevelopment will breathe new life into the town and create opportunities for community use, and economic growth."

Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Cappamore - Kilmallock, Cllr Gregory Conway, highlighted the project's local value: "This is a very welcome development for Kilmallock and the surrounding area. The Merchant's House holds huge local significance, and its restoration will enhance the character of the town while creating a valuable resource for the community and visitors alike. It's encouraging to see this project moving forward."

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, emphasised the partnership approach: "The appointment of this highly experienced design team marks a key step forward in delivering a complex and ambitious heritage project. Through strong collaboration with our national partners and local stakeholders, we are ensuring that this development is both technically robust and aligned with the long-term regeneration strategy for Kilmallock and the wider region."

The design phase will now move through Preliminary Design before a planning application is prepared, with the objective of having the project 'shovel ready' in 2027.

The collaborative effort involves ongoing engagement with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the Office of Public Works, the National Monuments Service and local stakeholders.