Limerick City and County Council has formally appointed an integrated design team to lead the redevelopment of the former Bank of Ireland building in Rathkeale, Co Limerick. The protected landmark on the town's Main Street will be repurposed to meet future community needs. The team will first prepare preliminary options and layouts before progressing an application for planning consent later in the year.

The design team will work closely with the Council's Rural Development Unit to keep the project on programme. The scheme is funded under Category 2 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, in collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Contracts were signed at the Council offices in Rathkeale, with Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, Council representatives and members of the design team in attendance. The group also toured the vacant building following the signing.

Speaking afterwards, 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."

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The integrated team will be led by Conservation Architect Diarmuid Cronin of Cronin Architects Ltd., a Galway-based practice with extensive experience in restoring and refurbishing protected structures. Civil and structural engineering services will be provided by Tobin, mechanical and electrical engineering by Limerick-based Moloney Fox, and quantity surveying by Tom McNamara and Partners of Ennis. Additional specialist sub-consultants will be engaged as required as the project advances.

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 project will now move through the Preliminary Design stage before an application for planning consent is prepared, with the aim of having the scheme 'shovel ready' in 2027.