ANGRY words were exchanged at a special meeting of Limerick City Council yesterday before it was finally agreed unanimously to grant a 50 year sublease to Shannon Development of King John's Castle, together with buildings and structures in the adjoining parish of St Mary's in Limerick.
Alderman John Gilligan (Ind), opposing the motion to dispose of the property, said the development of the castle by the Shannon company "was a business failure". He attacked members of the development company over what he called "pressure being brought to bear on the Limerick Corporation and threats that a £3.7 million plan would be lost if they did not sign over the property immediately".
Alderman Jim Kemmy objected to what he called the "insults" to members of the development company who had been invited to attend the meeting and also for the disrespectful "treatment" of the mayor by Mr Gilligan.
Some residents of the area around the castle who were in the public gallery, joined in the criticism of the present work on the castle and were called to order by the mayor, Mr Kieran O'Hanlon.
Alderman Pat Kennedy said in his view Shannon Development was doing an excellent job at the castle and for Limerick. However, he felt it would be wise to enter a covenant restricting any modification without the joint agreement of the Limerick Corporation and the Office of Public Works.
Mr John Gunning from the public gallery said he had been in business opposite the castle for 22 years. His trade, he said, had declined with what he called "a senseless development of one of the finest AngloNorman castles in Ireland".
The council agreed to set up a subcommittee of members of the council, officials, Shannon Development, the architect and an expert in 13th century buildings. It will consider the proposal for the refurbishment of the Interpretative Centre within the castle, which has been the subject of most of the criticism. The public will then be invited to hear a report on its findings.
Shannon Development in a statement said the £3.7 million project involving the castle and Castle Lane project, if put in place by the 1998 tourist season, would bring considerable benefits for local traders and business. The proposal for Castle Lane involved the recreation of an authentic late 17th and early 18th century Irish streetscape and would include a tavern and banqueting hall of the period.