Update issued on plans to develop multi-storey apartments in Limerick estate

LOCAL residents are planning to appeal a decision to approve the building of 25 new apartments in their estate.

Silvergrove Developments has secured conditional planning permission from Limerick City and County Council to build 25 apartments in two-and-three storeys next to Drominbeg Square in Rhebogue.

It’s just yards away from another set of 20 new-build houses which the University of Limerick (UL) bought for €12.5m.

Due to the fact the same developer, Silvergrove, was the applicant on the latest project, there were fears the development may house more students.

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However, it has since been stated that the multi-storey proposal is “specifically intended for older persons and/or persons with disabilities”.

The 25 apartments will be divided into 10 one-bed apartments and 15 two-bed apartments.

It will be managed by an Approved Housing Body (AHB). These are independent, not-for-profit organisations which provide affordable rented housing for people who cannot afford to pay private sector rents or buy their own homes.

Local councillor and chairperson of the Rhebogue Residents Association, Sarah Beasley, confirmed locals would appeal against the decision to give planning permission, to An Bord Pleanala.

“We are totally against this. We are not going to sit by and let this happen. If we have to go the High Court, we have to go the High Court,” she told Limerick Live.

Twenty groups and individuals wrote to the council with concerns over the development, which has been named ‘Rhebogue Courtyard’.

The majority of these expressed opposition to the proposal.

In their own submissions to council, a number of other residents identified an issue of the invasive Japanese Knotweed plant.

Cllr Beasley said when locals heard of this development, there was a feeling of “here we go again”, given the huge opposition which greeted the initial 20 homes at Drominbeg Square.

“It’s just not in keeping with the area. It looks like something which would be built in an industrial estate,” she said.

“It feels like there is no thought for the people of Rhebogue.

“We don’t have a bus stop, we don’t have a postbox. There is nothing for the children,” she said.

Another local, Darren Beckett said even though he lives some distance from the 20 other homes, he hears music at night.

“It’s loud. It’s keeping children awake. There’s a lady in the house on her own. She doesn’t want to confront anybody, but at the same time, she has had to get earplugs in order to sleep,” he said.

A number of concerns were expressed over the roof terrace.

Agents for Silvergrove have stated this terrace will be “animated” with planters, and allow occupants “enjoy watching the world go by”.

Council gave the project the green light subject to a number of conditions, including that the developer name the AHB in charge.

Silvergrove did not return a request for comment from the Limerick Leader.