An investigation has been launched by Gardaí in Limerick after a historic building in the city centre became engulfed in flames during the early hours of Saturday morning.
At around 1am on Saturday, Gardaí and fire services rushed to battle the significant blaze at The Sailors’ Home on O'Curry Street, a 19th-century building that has in recent times been used to house art exhibitions and is a hub for cultural activity in the riverside city,
Footage was widely shared across social media of the fire which devastated the historical building, showing fire units attempting to get the fire under control.
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In total, six units from three different fire stations, Limerick city, Cappamore and Rathkeale attended the scene to combat the fire. The units eventually dampened the flames, after almost four hours of effort. They returned to their base at 4:50am.
Gardai said that no injuries have been reported as a result of the blaze and an examination of the scene will take place this morning.
Anyone with information can contact Henry Street Garda station on 061 212400, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Alongside this blaze, a second fire also broke out on neighbouring Henry Street around the same time. Around 450 metres away from The Sailors' Home, fire services responded to reports of a car on fire near the Henry Street junction with Mount Kennett. However, it is not known at this time if the two fires are connected.
A Garda spokesman said that “investigations are ongoing” into both incidents.
CEO of Limerick Civic Trust David O’Brien, said in a statement: "There was some very sad news overnight with the fire at the Sailor's Home on O'Curry Street.
"The Limerick Civic Trust have for many years sought to restore and occupy this beautiful old building, we now wish to work with all parties, the Shannon Foynes Port Authority, their agents and others to bring this site back to its original glory."
