www.lmkeating.ie L&M Keating Ltd, Kilmihil, Building & Civil Engineering Contractors.

€2m Limerick contract for Kilmihil firm

KILMIHIL-based firm L&M Keating Ltd has been selected as the main contractor for the €2m development project at Limerick's Milk Market. This is a significant coup for the West Clare Company, with demand for construction work currently at an all-time low and intense competition in the marketplace for the limited work that is available.

L&M Keating won out over a total of eight building contractors, who submitted tenders for the project.

"The key factors which led to Keatings' success include their superb track record in the building trade, expertise with heritage projects and the value for money they offered," David O'Mahony, chairman, Limerick Market Trustees Ltd. said.

Among the projects completed so far by L&M Keating are the construction of the Doonbeg Hotel and Golf Club and the complete restoration of the 18th century Clifden House in Corofin.

"We are delighted to win such a high-profile project, especially in the current economic climate, and look forward to working with the Limerick Market Trustees and the other project partners over the coming months,' company director Louis Keating stated.

In October2008 the civil engineering company launched the 30,000 square foot Merchants Quay Business Quarter in Kilrush. The company has a long association with the West Clare since it was established in 1987.

"The very first building we worked on in Kilrush was when we created the council chamber in the town hall," Mr Keating said at the Merchants Quay launch before stating that the company had built the new Kilrush Garda Station, the revamped Kilrush Credit Union, the new Super Value supermarket at the end of Frances Street and the renovations to St Senan's Church in 'Toler Street, Kilrush.

He also pointed out that the construction of the Creek Lodge at Kilrush Marina was the first €1m contract awarded to the company.

The Milk Market in Limerick is one of the oldest markets in the country, having operated on this site since 1852. The project involves upgrading the facilities to benefit traders, shoppers and the economy of the greater Limerick area, including many parts of Clare. It is estimated that the newly upgraded facility will have the potential to increase footfall at the Milk Market by over 50% per week when it re-opens in mid-2010 and generate significant extra incremental revenue for the whole Shannon Region.

Clare Champion, October 30th 2009