The first phase of the redevelopment of King John's Castle in Limerick is complete.
King John's Castle has a history dating back to 1200. In 1691, the castle withstood a siege but was eventually surrendered along with Limerick city to General Ginkel. The castle was used as a garrison barracks until 1922.
The new mayor of Limerick, Thady Coughlan, officially reopened the castle in his first public function.
This first phase of development saw the restoration of the north west area of the castle at a cost of £8,000 with the assistance of the Bord of Works.
Project committee chairman Tony Brazil describes King John's Castle as one of the greatest assets of Limerick city. One of the turrets has now been completely restored. Plans are in place to open up the space for use by the community. It is hoped that the restoration of the castle will continue next year.
At present, there are people living in houses on land within the castle walls. In the long term, these people would be rehoused elsewhere to enable the overall redevelopment of the castle yard.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 July 1975. The reporters are Dermot Mullane and Tom MacSweeney.
