Construction to start next year on five-storey social housing development in Limerick city

CONSTRUCTION of a new five-storey social housing development in the heart of Limerick city is expected to kick off early next year.

Development firm Whitebox and approved housing body Cluid have teamed up to deliver the scheme at a vacant patch of land at Speaker's Corner near the People's Park.

This will be home to 36 council apartments over five floors.

Many of these will be aimed at people who would fall above the income threshold to qualify for public housing – but are not able to get a mortgage.

At November’s full council meeting, members are expected to clear the way for the sale of the patch of land to Cluid for €300,000.

It comes after it was ‘noted’ at the monthly metropolitan meeting last Monday.

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Councillors already approved the plans last year, meaning the sale of the land is the final piece in the jigsaw for Cluid.

Eleven one-bed and 25 two-bed apartments, alongside bin storage, bicycle storage and a private garden area for residents is planned at the area described as a "brownfield infill site" by council staff.

It’s anticipated construction will take place over 17 months, with the first tenants due in, in 2025.

It's previously been stated that due to the availability of buses in the vicinity, and the project's proximity to the central business area, there is no need for any tenant to have a car.

Previously, the land at Speaker’s Corner, which measures around 0.14 hectares, was occupied by a residential development, which has since been razed to the ground.