Proposed Limerick development would ‘diminish’ views, say objectors

AN TAISCE has submitted its appeal to An Bord Pleanala (ABP) challenging the decision to demolish a 200-year old riverside building in order to make way for a private dwelling, three apartment units and a cafe.

Last month, Limerick City and County Council granted planning permission for the demolition of Curragower House at Clancy’s Strand, which was built between the late 1700s or early 1800s. 

Permission has been granted for the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a private dwelling, three apartment units and a cafe.

“Curragower House is located on a particularly sensitive site visible from a range of vantage points along both sides of the river,” An Taisce states in its appeal to ABP. 

The proposed development would “diminish” the views from King John’s Castle, the Civic offices, the courthouse and other tourist amenities, the submission also states. 

In its appeal to ABP, the group raises its concerns over both the planned demolition of the current structure, as well as the proposed replacement buildings, which it describes as “dramatic in a negative sense”. 

Much of the rebranding of Limerick as a tourism destination has centred mainly on Limerick as a riverside city, the group states. 

“Curragower House is located on a particularly sensitive site visible from a range of vantage points along both sides of the river.” The proposed development would “diminish” the views from King John’s Castle, the Civic offices, the courthouse and other tourist amenities, An Taisce believes. 

An Taisce believes Curragower House is historically significant to the area and the dwelling includes architectural details, like a painted decoration on its ground floor, that are also historically significant. 

In a submission made to LCCC, the project’s architects state the decision to demolish the existing building was not “considered in a flippant manner”, and was influenced by several factors. 

The building has also suffered significant decline as it has been vacant for the last 19 years, and suffered fires in both 2004 and 2017, the document states. It was also struck by lightning in March 2008.

A decision on the case is due to be made by August 6 2019.