Concerns that planned apartment complex in Limerick will be 'detrimental' to birds and bats
AN ENVIRONMENTAL group says plans for dozens of new apartments will be “detrimental” to local wildlife – including bats, nesting birds, insects and otters.
The Limerick branch of Birdwatch Ireland is one of eight groups so far to write to council over a project to build 46 new homes on the banks of the Shannon.
As part of a joint venture, Tinwat Holdings, part of the Whitebox group, has teamed up with housing provider Cluid to plan for the units at an area known as Prior’s Land in Thomondgate.
Some of these are earmarked for elderly people, with others destined to be both social and affordable homes.
But there’s been widespread opposition from locals, with the majority of those writing to council planners expressing concern.
In its objection, the local branch of Birdwatch Ireland wrote: “The recorded presence of at least 20 species of nesting birds and other migrant species visiting the site together with numerous bat species and insects form part of this precious habitat. Any interference [...] would be detrimental to these species. Mammals such as otter would come under extreme pressure if their habitats are removed or reduced.”
A spokesperson for the developer has in the past highlighted the opening of a wildlife area to the side of the proposed development. Birdwatch Ireland described this as “a token gesture rather than offering a viable protection for the site”.
Among the other groups and individuals to object to the project is Barrack Lane Boat Club, who have said there are “grave concerns” about what’s planned.
“We have genuine concerns about the safety of our clubhouse building, our valuable boats and engines which cost several thousand euro should people have access to our site. If any fire damage, deliberate vandalism or wanton destruction of our engines occur, our insurance premiums will skyrocket and may become too expensive for us to maintain,” the club added in its letter to city planners.
A decision on the project is due from local authority planners later this month.