Massive development on 24-hour petrol station row in Limerick

THE OPERATORS of a service station on the city’s northside have asked An Bord Pleanala to decide whether the facility should remain open all night.

Limerick City and County Council’s planners have ruled that Circle K at Ennis Road in Caherdavin should not operate between midnight and 7am.

They have cited concerns among residents about an overspill of lights, the impact it has on the quality of life of locals plus the noise and volume of traffic.

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But Ard Services, which operates Circle K’s Irish outlets, has now formally asked the national planning appeals body to step in.

It comes after a spokesperson for Circle K told the Limerick Leader that it would be challenging Limerick City and County Council’s decision.

Circle K has said in the meantime, it will retain its normal opening hours which up to now have been 24/7.

In documents sent to An Bord Pleánala, representatives of Circle K pointed out there is nothing in the local development plan that allows the local authority to restrict what hours service stations operate in the locality..

“Our client’s reasonable aspiration is to maximise the commercial viability of this service station’s primary uses, that being its function as a convenience retail shop and fuel filing facility,” the agents added.

Four residents had formally objected to the initial planning application from Ard Services to keep operating 24 hours a day.

But three of these objections represented multiple people.

One person, who did not wish to be named, said: “Our anxiety levels are through the roof. There are lives and mental health involved here. If you don't get a good night of sleep, you are a holy wreck.”

Circle K has said in its submission to An Bord Pleanala that it is prepared to work with local residents.