Limerick's largest ever civic building project is nearing completion, it has been confirmed.

The £6m Kilmallock Area Office is set to be opened by the county council this week.

A regional library and court facilities will be housed in the 1000 square metres scheme.

Brian McCarthy Contractors Ltd worked as the main contractor on the project, supported by design team ABK Architects, Davis Langdon PKS Quantity Surveyors, Michael Punch & Partners Consulting Engineers and Homan O' Brien M&E Consultants.

ABK Architects' John Parker said the new civic precinct of public buildings was strategically located to extend the building line of the main street and reinforce the vista to the site.

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"The library and office form a long, linear, single-storey building, which connects with the existing Union Workhouse building.

"The regional library, which will play an important public and social role within the town consists of a double-height flexible space and is located on the most prominent corner of the site.

"A new linear public space is provided together with over 50 public and staff car parking spaces," he said.

Sustainable elements have been incorporated into the building, including natural ventilation, reduction in heat loss, sustainable and efficient heat generation, extensive use of natural day lighting combined with shading devices, and a central energy centre accommodating a biomass wood pellet boiler and plant facilities.

The project is being part funded by Limerick County Council, the Courts Services of Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government.

The new facility will open on Thursday (27 August).

(PR/GK)