Further clarity sought over €200m Limerick development

FURTHER clarity is being sought in relation to proposed changes to the Opera Square development in Limerick city centre.

Limerick Twenty Thirty (LTT), the council-owned company charged with carrying out the €200m development, had flagged its intentions to make changes to the 14-storey tower building which is a central feature of the project.

This is earmarked to accommodate revenue staff, currently based at nearby Sarsfield House.

A LTT spokesperson said the proposed changes were made in response to new building sustainability regulations.

A number of other amendments were also sought, including increased social amenities and biodiversity measures in the public spaces.

It’s also proposed to increase the vegetation and to upgrade the planned mirror pool.

In effect, LTT sought permission from An Bord Pleanala to carry on with these changes without the need for further planning permission, arguing that the proposed changes do not constitute a ‘material alteration’ to the original plan.

However, the national planning appeals body disagreed with this, and directed LTT to submit fresh papers.

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A spokesperson for Limerick Twenty Thirty said staff were expecting this outcome “due to the nature of the proposed amendments” and as a result have been preparing documents for the last number of months.

“The information requested by An Bord Pleanala will be submitted in the coming weeks, and a decision by the board is expected within a six month period.”

They added the works which are currently being undertaken already have full planning permission and are not part of the proposed change.

David Geary of An Taisce Limerick said this represents a “reprieve” for Limerick, adding there is more need for accommodation than office space.