An Bord Pleanala approves World War One memorial proposal for Limerick park

CONTROVERSIAL plans to erect a war memorial on the edge of the People’s Park have been approved by An Bord Pleanala – despite Limerick Council rejecting the scheme.

The national appeals body has also gone against the views of its own inspectors to grant permission for the development.

A planning application was made in the name of the seventh Earl of Limerick Edmund Pery for the structure to honour fallen civilian and military personnel from the city and county in World War One, with the project led by the Limerick Civic Trust.

However, while local planners rejected the proposal, saying they are “not satisfied” the applicant has “sufficient estate or interest in the relevant land to carry out the scheme,” as well as expressing concern that granting this would set a precedent for similar types of developments in the park.

It came on foot of a number of objections to the local authority, including from northside Independent councillor John Gilligan.

However, ​An Bord Pleanala has taken a different view.

In its report, the authority stated: “It is considered the proposed development would integrate in a satisfactory manner with and not detract from the character and setting of the existing public open space and would not adversely impact on its continued use for passive and active recreational and amenity purposes.”

At the heart of the memorial the plans show there would be a four-metre high stone-central cross.

As well as this, there would be eight stone tablets, two metres high, inscribed with the names of all the victims of the great war from Limerick.

Stone benches measuring 3.7 metres and 0.45m high are also planned alongside gravel paths.

Local Solidarity candidate Seónaidh Ní Shíomóin, who is a primary school teacher, criticised the decision of An Bord Pleanala.

She said: “The park is a very important community and family facility and it would be a real shame for a whole section of it to be taken over by grey slabs and a giant cross.

“The colourful horse sculptures are really appealing and attractive to children who visit the park. We need more lively, interactive art in the park, not less,” she added.