Gardai are investigating a suspicious fire at a landmark residence in Limerick, writes David Raleigh.
The blaze which destroyed the former Bishop’s Palace, North Circular Road, Limerick, broke out shortly before 11.30pm.
The eight bedroom manor, Kilmoyle House, was the former residence of Catholic Limerick Bishops but has not been occupied for years.
Gerry McManus, a brother of well known philanthropist and racehorse owner JP McManus, purchased the sprawling house plus an acre of land around it in 2014, for an undisclosed price, after it went on the market for €1.1m.
It was sold by property developer Aidan Brooks who purchased it in 2007 for €26m making it one of the country’s most expensive properties. Mr Brooks had previously planned to build a nursing home and retirement village on the site.
Brooks, (46), also from Limerick, but who runs a vast property portfolio from London, retained five acres of land around Kilmoyle House, leaving one acre as part of the sale. He also owns Portland House, the former Church of Ireland’s Bishop’s residence, located next door.
It’s believed Gerry McManus was planning to carry out remedial works at the historic house. In 2015, a planning notice at the property stated that Gerry McManus intended to apply for planning permission for seven works on the site.
The notice stated that he wished to remove late 20th century house extensions and outbuildings, make modifications to the existing house, construct a gate lodge near the entrance, construct courtyard buildings, construct an underground garage, and make repairs and alterations to the site boundaries.
Built around 1845, Kilmoyle House has 7,159 square feet of living space, and is listed as a building of important architectural heritage.
In the basement, there is a kitchen, utility room, bathroom, pantry room, storage room, electronics room, three bedrooms and a dining room.
The ground floor comprises a lounge, two studies, a breakfast room, dining room, kitchenette, library, archive room and a conservatory, while there are five bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.
The property also comes with a 650 sq ft mews attached to its north side which was built around 1960.
The three-storey property, which includes one acre of land, was destroyed in last night’s fire.
Fire fighters attached to Limerick city and county fire service fought the flames for four hours before bringing it under control.
“Two fire trucks, and a water taker vehicle were dispatched to the scene. On arrival the house was well alight,” said a source.
Fire crews also used an aerial extendable ladder to fight the fire from above as it swept through the building.
“The house has been extensively damaged. Gardai have sealed the house off pending a technical examination this morning,” the source added.
No one was injured.
Mayorstone Gardai are investigating the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire.
