Sod turned on new €100m development in Limerick

LAND that was blessed by Pope John Paul II, graced by US President John F Kennedy and home to the former Limerick Racecourse is the site of a “transformative” €100m housing development in the city.

The sod was officially turned this Monday at Greenpark, adjacent South Circular Road, where 371 residential units will be delivered by Voyage Property.

The last race meeting at the venue took place on Sunday, March 21, 1999 after 130 years of horse racing. It is hoped that next March the first new residents will get their keys.

John Keane, director of Voyage Property, speaking at the sod turning on Monday, said: “In the midst of a housing shortage in our city, and indeed our country, Greenpark is an opportunity to grow Limerick city in a sustainable way, through delivery of energy efficient homes in a location so close to the city centre, allowing Limerick to deliver desperately needed new homes.”

Mr Keane said the proximity of the development to Limerick city centre will also benefit businesses in the city by encouraging increased footfall.

The 371 A2 BER-rated homes will be divided into 157 two-storey houses consisting of 10 four-bedroom, 110 three-bedroom and 37 two-bedroom; 76 three-storey duplexes made up of 14 three-bedroom, 38 two-bedroom and 24 one-bedroom; 138 apartments - 92 two-bedroom and 46 one-bedroom. A childcare facility and play areas are also planned for Greenpark.

Mr Keane said the mix of abodes will suit first-time buyers, those seeking to trade up from their existing home, couples seeking to right size and others.

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“The sod turning is not only the culmination of four years commitment and planning on behalf of the Voyage Property team, but is also the culmination of over 20 years of effort on behalf of many parties, too many to individually mention here today, but all of whom have contributed to his momentous day,” said Mr Keane, who was joined at the sod turning by Minister for State Kieran O’Donnell, Cllrs Joe Leddin and Dan McSweeney, deputy mayor.

Greenpark is where tens of thousands came to see President Kennedy in 1963 and Pope John Paul Paul II in 1979. In a nod to its racing history some of the addresses within the development will be The Gallops, The Parade and The Paddocks.

“Greenpark will be a biodiverse development with multiple pocket parks for play and leisure contained within the scheme. Its location will allow residents to realistically walk or cycle to multiple locations including the city centre, Mary Immaculate College, Crescent Shopping Centre, University Hospital Limerick, Raheen Business Park,” said Mr Keane.

Continuing the theme, Tom Crosse, of sole-agents GVM, said there will be pedestrian access onto the South Circular Road.

“You won’t even need a car. Greenpark will be transformative for Limerick city. This is the biggest housing development in Limerick city in recent years. We want to see communities develop within Greenpark,” said Mr Crosse.

Fergus Mangan, head of lending at Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI), set up by the Government to fund the delivery of new homes, said: “The homes are part of the wider Greenpark strategic housing development lands which are of strategic importance to Limerick city and county and HBFI is proud to play a role in activating the site in line with its national mandate.”

Those interested in purchasing a property in Greenpark can register their interest at greenparklimerick.ie.