High Court quashes permission for €30m student accommodation in Limerick

THE HIGH Court has quashed a decision by An Bord Pleanala granting planning permission for a €30m student accommodation plan on the edge of Limerick - for a second time.

Cloncaragh Investments is planning to construct 68 build-to-rent apartments with 318 bed spaces at the site of the old Dan Ryan garage opposite Punch's Cross.

The firm initially secured permission from An Bord Pleanala for the project under fast-track planning legislation in 2021.

But following a judicial review to the High Court by Environmental Trust Ireland, a judge quashed this decision.

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A judicial review is a mechanism by which an application can be made to the High Court to challenge the decision making processes of administrative bodies – like An Bord Pleanala.

This decision, made last year, meant the application was reactivated, and An Bord Pleanala ordered to consider the housing plans once again.

The national planning body approved the fresh plans in February this year.

For a second time, Environmental Trust Ireland initiated judicial review proceedings.

And this Monday, in an order handed down by the High Court, An Bord Pleanala's decision to approve the student halls project was quashed once again.

Solicitor Michelle Hayes of Environmental Trust Ireland says the group welcomes the fact the High Court has taken this decision, and said she feels they have been "vindicated".

"How many times does the developer intend to go back and insist on building on a contaminated site and on a site that isn't fit for purpose for any building, not just what they are hoping to do - it's disgraceful," she said in response to the decision.

Also responding to the news, John Hickie, of Cloncaragh Investments said the company remains committed to developing the land on the edge of the city, out of commission for almost 20 years.

"It is extremely frustrating to find ourselves in this position after a considerable amount of time, effort and investment having gone into developing this site. This is a brownfield, vacant site in the heart of Limerick City that was assembled six years ago to develop it; on the grounds of a former petrol station that hasn't been in operation for almost 20 years. After months of consideration and consultation with Limerick City and County Council it was agreed that a purpose-built student accommodation development would be ideal for the site; which would complement existing commercial, retail, residential and hospitality in the area; its proximity to Mary Immaculate College was also identified as a key reason for the need to develop such units," he added.