Estate to bring 384 homes to Limerick suburb

CONSTRUCTION of a major new development which will bring almost 400 new homes to Raheen is to get under way.

Developers have secured planning permission to construct 384 residential units on a site in Ballykeeffe, Raheen.

Now, the firm behind the project has submitted what is known as a ‘commencement notice’ to local planners.

This is a document which compels a builder to start work within a set period of time on site.

“I’m delighted. It’s been an effectively undeveloped piece of land for I don’t know how many years. There were all sorts of false dawns in previous years when it was being potentially identified as a neighbourhood park.

"That didn’t happen so to have 384 houses and apartments going in there is fantastic news,” said local councillor Joe Leddin, who has worked with the developer.

The development will consist of 202 houses, in a mix of two, three, and four bedrooms.

On top of this, there will be 182 new apartments, together with a new childcare facility with 79 places.

The 10.44-hectare site is located adjacent to three estates on the edge of Raheen - Ballinvoher, Inis Mor and Inis Lua.

It’s anticipated construction work will take place over the next two to two-and-a-half years.

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Phase one will see the building of apartments to the front of the site onto the existing R510.

The second phase will see further apartments and townhouses.

And the final part, at the rear of the building site will see detached and semi-detached houses built.

Cllr Leddin pointed out that the local authority owns 21 acres of land adjoining the site near the Limerick to Foynes rail line, and has said this could be used as a recreational area for residents.