New housing estate planned for the outskirts of Limerick town

DEVELOPERS have signalled their intention to build a new housing estate on the outskirts of a Limerick town.

Ballygrennan Homes, a consortium of investors, are set to seek planning permission from Limerick City and County Council for 74 new units on what is currently a green site off Kilmallock Road, just outside Bruff. 

According to a notice published in the Limerick Leader, these homes will be split into four-bedroom, three-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes.

Nine four-bed detached units are planned, and three three-bed detached houses are on the planning application.

These would be joined by 42 three-bed semi-detached units, six three-bed terraced units and six two-bed terraced homes.

On top of this, eight three-bed semi-detached units are being projected for elderly and senior living.

A “significant” open space area is planned to incorporate a children’s playground, while a new pedestrian crossing will be provided along the R512.

At present, the land is a green field, and it’s understood to be the final piece of land which is zoned for residential in Bruff.

The developer will be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky, after two previous applications on the same land did not proceed.

In 2008, an application to build never saw progress due to the economic recession.

And in 2016, a further planning application also went the same way, with the time allowed for it expiring.

This has paved the way for a third planning application on the land.

Joe O’Shaughnessy, the director of architectural consultant Gilleece McDonnell O'Shaughnessy which is working with Ballygrennan Homes on the scheme, believes if permission is granted, construction will take place in four phases, dependent on the market.

It’s anticipated this would be in three blocks of 20 units, then the final 14, extending westwards from the town.

The developer has been contacted for comment, but had not responded to the request as the Leader went to press.

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Sinn Fein councillor PJ Carey, who represents Bruff on the local authority, gave a cautious welcome to the proposals.

“Housing is definitely needed, I hope they are all affordable homes though,” he said.

The councillor acknowledged there may be an issue with amenities within Bruff, which could impact any new residents.

“Bruff has had a bit of a doing in the last 10 or 15 years. The secondary school is no more, they don't have any great services when it comes to healthcare,” he said.

“But we need houses for our young people, so this is to be welcomed. It's what we need. There needs to be some infrastructure with it too. We are building 18 social houses in Bruff next year. This is fine, but most people aren't on the housing list. So you need private affordable housing,” he told the Limerick Leader.

Having published a notice of their intention to apply for planning permission, the developers now have a fortnight to furnish Limerick City and County Council with the actual application and supporting documents.

Separately, 28 new homes are planned to be built in the village of Adare.

Dwellings Developments are seeking to build at Rathkeale Road.

The homes planned are in a mix of one, two and three-bed apartments, plus semi-detached and detached homes of varying bedroom size.

This is according to a planning notice.