Update issued on major student accommodation plan for Limerick

A NEW MULTI-MILLION euro student village which will bring more than 200 bed spaces to the doorstep of University of Limerick (UL) has been given permission.

Developers sought the green light for a development of 26 new apartments at Old Dublin Road, in a move which will see 202 beds distributed across three blocks rising up to five-storeys.

An infill site was identified, with representatives of the applicants, Kearock Investments, previously warning that even with other developments under way, Limerick is facing a deficit of 2,200 student bed spaces by the academic year 2024/2025.

Kearock Investments sought permission under the large scale residential development scheme, a newly introduced fast-track planning process designed to alleviate the housing crisis.

Planning consultant on the project Adam Kearney hailed the "positive planning news", and described the scheme as "much-needed".

"Two-hundred and two bed spaces that will serve to lessen the deficit in the coming years," he added in a tweet.

Positive Planning news in Limerick today! @LimerickCouncil granted permission for a much needed Student Accommodation Scheme on the the Old Dublin Rd. We acted as Planning Consultants for the project. 202 bed spaces that will serve to lessen the deficit in the coming years. pic.twitter.com/msc7aPVqZ8

— Adam Kearney (AK Planning) (@planning_ak) January 18, 2023

Previously, Mr Kearney had told LimerickLive: “The scheme provides for much-needed purpose-built student accommodation in close proximity to the UL campus at Plassey.

“At present, there is a substantial deficit in the quantum of student accommodation available. Dedicated facilities like this one will serve to free up traditional housing for the private rented sector.”

In planning documents to the local authority, the developer stated that outside of the college academic year, the facility may be used for tourist accommodation, and those studying at summer schools in Limerick.

In a bid to eliminate traffic congestion, Clarisford, which has done a student management survey, added when selecting occupants for the facility, “prospective residents without cars will be given priority.”

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Eighteen groups and individuals wrote to council in opposition to the project, including a joint submission from Fianna Fail councillors Kieran O'Hanlon and Catherine Slattery.

They expressed concern the size of the building would "set an undesirable precedent for future development of suburban locations in Limerick," adding the shadow generated by the complex would be "stark and disturbing".

The councillors said they would be willing to engage with the developer to "agree a suitable approach while also protecting the residential amenity of the local residents."

Despite this, council planners gave the development the go-ahead subject to a number of conditions.