Clarity sought from UL over Park Point

A CALL has been made on University of Limerick bosses to clarify what they plan to do with the empty rooms at the Park Point building near its campus.

Eight years ago, UL purchased the multi-storey premises for €4m.

The anchor tenant on site, Travelodge was not impacted by the sale and continues to operate.

But there are a large number of empty rooms on the upper floors, and at the March meeting of the Metropolitan District,

Fianna Fail councillor Catherine Slattery sought an update from the college.

The local authority wrote on her behalf to seek answers from UL.

No response was forthcoming to either the council’s query, or one from the Limerick Leader this Tuesday.

But earlier this year, planning permission was approved for a ‘change the use’ of floors six, seven, eight and nine of the property to student accommodation.

These floors would see 50 student apartments developed, encompassing 46 twin bedrooms and four single rooms.

In total, 96 new bed spaces would be created.

Prior to securing planning permission for a change of use, the upper floors were designated to be used as office space.

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Cllr Slattery said: “I drive the Dublin Road a lot, and would pass this site a lot. Anyone who passes it can see there are so many empty rooms because there are no blinds or curtains on the windows. It’s a shame to see it empty.

“I decided as it’s slap-bang in the middle of the Dublin Road, in my area, and with so many people passing, If I’m wondering what’s happening with it, they must be too. This is why I decided to put in the question.”

Cllr Slattery has expressed disappointment that UL has not responded to her as of yet, given that the metropolitan meeting where she raised the issue took place on Wednesday, March 20 last.