Former BoI building for sale in Lismore
Lismore’s former Bank of Ireland building is currently for sale, despite calls from local councillors for the building to be used for the local community. Currently, the landmark building located on West Street, Lismore is for sale at an asking price of €290,000.
October last year saw the closure of several Bank of Ireland (BoI) branches across the country including those in Lismore, Mitchelstown and Glanmire. Since then, queries have been raised regarding what to do with the buildings, many of which are now vacant.
Limerick City and County Council last week confirmed that they are to purchase the four former BoI branches, located in Rathkeale, Askeaton, Bruff and Abbeyfeale.
“The decision to purchase the buildings stems from an announcement by the bank in 2021 that is was to close around 100 branches around the country. Coincidentally, Limerick City and County Council was, at the same time, reviewing its strategy for the improvement of community facilities and e-hubs around the county.
“The sale of these branches presented a unique opportunity for the Council to acquire landmark buildings in the centre of some of our key towns, and to re-purpose these buildings to continue to provide a valuable service to the community,” a spokesperson for the council said.
OPPORTUNITY
In Waterford, a similar use for the former BoI branch has been called for, as local councillor Declan Doocey has said he believes the Lismore location would be an ideal site for an IT hub, with ample parking and services.
At this week’s meeting of the Dungarvan Lismore District, Cllr Doocey again called on the council to take the opportunity, noting Limerick City and County Council’s purchase of former BoI branches, stating: “I think in this process that we shouldn’t lose the opportunity of these premises”.
Cllr Doocey claimed that the building, along with other closed branches in West Waterford, including in Kilmacthomas, could be used as an IT hub and noted that in the interim if a client could not be found, it could also be used to house those fleeing from Ukraine seeking refuge.
Director of Services, Kieran Kehoe stated at Monday’s meeting that the council are engaging with the agent appointed on behalf of Bank of Ireland.
“The Kilmacthomas property has been disposed of to a local couple, which is good news, and they intend to use it for residential purposes,” Mr Kehoe added.
Last year, following the closure of the BoI branches, the Dungarvan Lismore District wrote to BoI on foot of such calls and received a response from Retail Ireland which stated: “In many areas around the country, we have received expressions of interest from local groups and other councils interested in purchasing our former branch buildings. We would be more than happy to engage with Waterford City and County Council on the potential purchase of our buildings”.
The Dungarvan Lismore District responded to the letter, to enquire if such buildings are available for acquisition at a lower rate, however, it is understood that there has been ‘no movement’ on the issue since, as the council awaits a response.
According to estate agents Sherry Fitzgerald, the building is a substantial detached two and a half storey property built circa 1880 and extending to 4,457 square feet, with ‘many impressive features including marble external cladding, arch window frames and stone chimney stacks’.
Speaking with TheAvondhu, Cllr Declan Doocey stated that with the building now for sale publicly, it is unlikely that his hopes for the IT hub will materialise.
“I was hoping it would be an IT hub. It would be ideal for it. There’s ample parking and internet connections and it’s a fine building, it would bring employment to the area,” he added.