Decision made on plans for massive student accommodation complex on outskirts of Limerick

PLANNERS have given the green-light to a new multi-storey student accommodation development near University of Limerick.

In a move which looks set to see 1,400 new student bedspaces in Limerick, Groody Developments Ltd has secured conditional planning permission from the local authority to develop on land fronting the Groody Road and Dublin Road in Castletroy.

Classed as a large-scale residential development, its anticipated the buildings will tower up between five and eight storeys.

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While the developer is seeking a seven-year timeframe in which to build the new apartments, agents have stated that subject to all planning permissions being in place, it's hoped the main works will kick off in the opening months of 2026.

The monster development will consist of 196 'clusters' across five separate blocks, the application shows.

According to the bluieprint, alongside the bed spaces, there will also be a number of other amenities for students, including a library, a union, a laundry room and two canteens.

These will be delivered on two phases of development, across five blocks A to E, and are being described by the developer as bed clusters.

Block A will see eight storeys providing 28 clusters, with 224 bed spaces.

It will be this block which houses a library, and a student union facility.

Block B will rise up seven storeys providing 52 clusters, with 400 bed spaces.

This block looks set to accommdate the reception and office, a laundry room, and a canteen.

Block C will be six-storeys providing 51 clusters, with 355 bed spaces.

It will be home to a student gym among other facilities.

Also over six levels, block D will include 32 clusters and 211 bed spaces, another student canteen and a student supply retail unit.

The final block E, over five storeys will house 33 clusters with 210 bed spaces.

Vehicular access to the site will be from the Groody Road with pedestrian access to the Dublin Road.

It's also proposed to convert the student halls into short-term accommodation lets outside term-time.

There were a number of objections to the development, largely on environmental and traffic grounds.

But council planners have given the development the go-ahead subject to 23 conditions.

These include a stipulation that Groody Developments pays the local authority more than €1.4m for public infrastructure and facilities benefitting development in the area.

Planners specify that the apartments should only be used as student accommodation or accommodation related to a higher education institute during the academic year.

Outside of term-time, these may be used as tourist and visitor accommodation.

"The development shall not be used for the purposes of permanent residential accommodation, as a hostel, hostel, apart-hotel or similar use without a prior grant of permission," they state.

Student housing units may not be amalgamated or combined.

Site development and building works are restricted to between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturdays. No work is permitted on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Work outside these hours will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances, council has ruled.