Plans for €30m student development in Limerick challenged in High Court

AN ENVIRONMENTAL organisation has launched High Court proceedings against a €30m student halls development in Limerick city.

The development is earmarked to accommodate 318 students.

Environmental Trust Ireland (ETI) is seeking to challenge the permission granted to Cloncarragh Developments to build a complex on lands opposite Punch’s Cross.

Last month, the firm got the green light from An Bord Pleanala for a second time to construct 30 build-to-rent apartments.

Additionally, there are 68 apartments accommodating 318 students planned.

Permission granted for new apartment block in Limerick city

The proposed facility - on land idle for two decades - is designed to meet the needs of those studying at Mary Immaculate College, whose students last year staged a demonstration over the lack of suitable accommodation in Limerick.

Papers were lodged in the High Court late last week from ETI, which is seeking to take a judicial review case against An Bord Pleanala, Limerick City and County Council, and the Attorney General.

A judicial review is a mechanism by which an application can be made to the High Court to challenge the decision making processes of administrative bodies – like An Bord Pleanala.

It’s unclear at this stage on what basis the challenge to the High Court has been taken.

ETI initiated proceedings with the High Court last year over the same project.

On that occasion, Mr Justice David Holland took a decision to quash An Bord Pleanala’s decision to grant permission to Cloncarragh Developments.

This was due to what he described as the failure of An Bord Pleanala to circulate an objection to the planning permission from ETI to all the relevant parties in a timely manner.

A date for the latest matter to come before the court has yet to be set.