PJ O'Dwyer / Limerick Studies Collection PJ O'Dwyer / Limerick Studies Collection / Limerick Studies Collection

THIS IS HOW Curraghchase House in Limerick would have looked back in 1937, in its prime, when the Hunt family was living there.

And below is how it looks now, having been gutted by a fire back in 1941:

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The building is now under the care of Coillte. In an open letter in yesterday’s Limerick Leader, however, an architect from Sydney said the State body is not doing this building justice.

Henry Hayes, who said he occasionally visits Limerick with his wife, has always admired the design of the mansion, describing it as “an astounding public asset”.

As an architect it is sad to see the neglect shown to the building structure which internally is overgrown with invasive weeds, trees and ivy which are left unchecked to damage and gorge away at the brick and stonework. This is a beautiful eighteenth century building and it deserves to be rescued from ruin.

• Read the letter in full 

The Australian admirer of Curraghchase House is not the only one who would like to see some tender care afforded to the landmark:

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Hayes called on the people of Limerick to band together to restore the building, laying out a plan where local architects, businesses, media and the general community could all do their bit.

“Limerick people, please protect your heritage building now. Serious decay is occurring from the inside out,” the architect pleaded in his letter.

“Show the authorities that you yourselves have the capacity to combat the incompetence shown by them.”

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