Update issued on plans for multi-storey student halls complex in Limerick

A STUDENT housing complex slated to be built within striking distance of Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) has been approved.

Developers have secured permission to build a seven-storey building on the site of plumbing shop A&R supplies at New Road, Pennywell in the city.

It will see the creation of 19 apartments with space for 122 students.

The new building will bring with it a gross floor area of over 4,000 square metres, ranging in height from three to seven storeys.

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Some 127 square metres of private open space will also be delivered as part of the scheme.

Four staff parking spots are part of the application, alongside 68 bike spots, with a further 127 square metres of open space.

The development site is just a one minute, 100 metre walk away from LSAD in Clare Street.

The development opens an opportunity to create a new access point to LSAD, which is run by the Technological University of the Shannon.

This will be through an existing gate currently locked in Clare Street.

Limerick City and County Council planners gave the proposals the go-ahead subject to 15 conditions.

Among these are that the developer, which is A&R Supplies, pays €28,462 to the local authority.

The homes must only be used for students, while work to build the complex can only take place between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and 8am and 4pm Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

There were a number of objections to the granting of permission.

Concerns were raised over the impact on the historical landscape of the area, due to the height of the structure.

Road safety was a fear, while possible anti-social behaviour was raised.