An Bord Pleanala rules on dispute between council and Supermac's boss over Limerick site

SUPERMAC’S boss Pat McDonagh and Limerick’s local authority have been embroiled in a planning dispute over a former pub in the city.

The council had wanted to compulsorily purchase the former Cahill’s Bar on Mulgrave Street, claiming it is “deemed derelict”.

However, An Bord Pleanala have rejected the bid by the authority to do this.

It came after representatives of the Supermac’s chief denied the building is derelict, and instead, that the site is being readied for use for its staff.

Cahill’s Bar has been closed and out of use for 20 years.

It was on this basis that Limerick City and County Council sought permission from An Bord Pleanala to buy the former pub on a compulsory basis from ‘Pat McDonagh and Supermac’s Ireland Ltd The Plaza Group’.

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They are named on An Bord Pleanala documents as the “owners/occupiers” of the site.

The national planning authority provided a summary of Limerick Council’s report on the building’s condition.

“The site detracts from the amenity, character and appearance of the well maintained properties in the area and is deemed derelict,” the summary reads.

The council’s report cited a number of issues with the building and supplied pictures dated from March last.

However, an An Bord Pleanala inspector who visited the area in August noted “a vast improvement” compared to the photos.

Solicitors acting for Supermac’s objected to the council’s bid.

“The property is not derelict. The premises is required for living accommodation for staff,” a summary reads.

“Substantial refurbishment has been carried out to make the property suitable for residential accommodation.

“The owners have commenced the process of bringing the derelict and vacant property back into use and have the financial means to complete this process,” the summary adds.