Fast food wars: Restaurants object to new Limerick city takeaway

THERE'S AN “overconcentration” of takeaways in Limerick city, according to two takeaways that have objected to the planning application of a new rival restaurant.

Anoop Venugopal has applied to the council to change the use of the closed Whitewater/White Feather Boutique on Denmark Street to a takeaway which would be called “Slice”.

The proposed takeaway would be one minute’s walk from Istanbul Kebab at the Old Quarter and a three minute walk from Hello Pizza at Cornmark Row.

The owners of Istanbul Kebab and Hello Pizza have both submitted two similar objections to the development.

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“Within approximately 100 metres of the proposed premises, there are numerous existing food businesses, including but not limited to Boojum, Chippy Chicken, Spice Guys, Story Café, Papa’s Bistro, Zewton, and several cafés and takeaway operators,” they wrote.

“Surrounding streets - Upper Denmark Street, Robert Street, Cornmarket Row, and High Street - contain in excess of 13 additional food businesses within a radius of approximately 200 metres.”

Istanbul Kebab owner, Salma Anika Banya, wrote that “food businesses, including my own, are already under considerable financial pressure and are struggling to remain viable.”

In a further information document, Mr Venugopal wrote: “There are no directly comparable takeaway premises operating within the immediate vicinity of the application site”.

The objection from Hello Pizza owner, Monirul Hasan, contends that Slice’s planning application is contrary to the Limerick Development Plan.

The plan states the objective “to prevent an excessive concentration of takeaways” and the council aims to reduce “potential conflict” when considering planning permission.

However, the plan also encourages “uses that bring new life to the built and natural heritage, such as the use and restoration of old buildings as guesthouses, museums or as restaurants.”

This use would apply to the revitalisation of an empty shop front as a new business - but Istanbul Kebab and Hello Pizza owners claim Slice’s development will be at the expense of their trade.

Mr Banya owner wrote in his objection: “This level of concentration has resulted in severe over-competition within the city centre”. He goes on to reference the closures of Aroi Restaurant and Peter Clohessy’s bar.

The established businesses say they make “an ongoing contribution to local employment and the city-centre economy”.

Planning documents submitted by Mr Venugopal indicate Slice will employ six full-time staff and two part-time workers.

A decision on the planning application was to be made by this Tuesday, April 1. However, a decision was not available at the time of going to press.