Limerick City and County Council has signed a contract with Martins Construction Ltd to deliver six new social homes at 52 New Road, Thomondgate, on the site of the former Whelan's Public House.

The scheme will see the demolition of existing structures on the plot, including the two-storey former pub, the apartment above it and a two-storey rear extension. The site will be redeveloped to provide four one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom homes, along with associated site works.

Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the project will bring a vacant site back into productive use within the established Thomondgate neighbourhood, close to Limerick city centre.

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Construction is due to begin in November 2026, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2028. All six homes are designed to achieve a BER A rating and will feature air-to-water heating systems.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: "Every completed development adds to our housing supply and helps build the stronger pipeline Limerick needs. This project will add six energy-efficient social homes within a well-established community in Thomondgate and brings new life to a vacant site."

Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Tom Ruddle, said: "This is a positive investment in Thomondgate and will provide six individuals and families with high-quality, energy-efficient homes in a well-established neighbourhood. I look forward to seeing construction begin and the development take shape."

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, added: "This contract enables the Council to move into the construction phase and progress the delivery of six new social homes on a well-located site. We will now work with Martins Construction Ltd to manage the project through construction and deliver high quality, energy efficient homes for families and individuals."

Works are scheduled to commence this month (November 2026), with the development targeted for completion in Q2 2028.