The Republic's Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley today officially opened Limerick County Council's newest administrative building and office complex at Lissanalta House in Dooradoyle.

The state of the art building accommodates six key local authority services, which were previously based at separate locations throughout County Limerick.

They include the Mid West National Road Design Office, Motor Taxation Office, Regional Waste Management Office, Environment Laboratory and new Limerick County Library Headquarters, which is complemented by one of Ireland's most comprehensive local studies centres.

One of the outstanding features of the new building designed by local architects Healy & Partners, is the promotion of modern energy design solutions. Numerous environmentally friendly installations have been incorporated including solar panels that provide 70% of domestic hot water to the building, high levels of fabric insulation that reduce energy consumption and natural ventilation to all offices.

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Already, the building has won a National Award from Gypsum Industries for the innovative use of plasterboard in ceiling design. Meanwhile, the Council has confirmed that up to 15% of the building's total electricity needs will be generated by a Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric power system, to be installed over the coming weeks.

Commenting on the new facility, Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager said: "Limerick County Council is committed to meeting the needs and expectations of citizens and the business community. By centralising six principal services, the Council has established a one-stop shop for its customers in these key service areas.

"County Limerick is now fortunate to have what must be one of the most modern and technically best-equipped library headquarters in the country. This 45,000 sq ft development is not only a significant moment for the Council, but a milestone in the delivery of public services in this county."

Among the other offices located at Lissanalta House is the Mid-West National Road Design Office, whose function it is to design and supervise roads construction of new National Roads in Limerick County, Limerick City, North Tipperary and parts of Clare. It is currently overseeing the construction of the Nenagh-Limerick dual carriageway and the €500m Limerick Tunnel, one of the largest infrastructural projects in the State.

(VB)