Golf club in Limerick 'could face prospect of closure' if housing plans approved

CASTLETROY Golf Club “could face the prospect of closure” if a massive housing development goes ahead on land adjacent to its first hole.

And the club would need to spend almost three-quarters-of-a-million euro on measures to protect neighbouring houses from flying and stray golf balls.

That’s according to a submission to council from agents acting for the facility at Golf Links Road, who have said claims for damages would make insurance for the club hard to afford.

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They’ve predicted that, in order to mitigate damage from flying golf balls, 20-metre high netting alongside improvements to their tee, green and paths would need to be put in place at an estimated cost of €733,600.

The golf club’s agents said the executive would be “demanding” these measures, and be seeking a financial contribution from the developer for this spend.

The club also raised concerns about trespassing on its grounds and added: “Castletroy Golf Course has no funds in place to mitigate the impacts of an ill-thought out development.”

They were responding to plans by developer Sonnervale to build an estate with 114 new homes.

As part of these plans, there are 16 four-bed detached homes, 44 three-bed detached houses.

In addition, 16 two-bedroomed apartments are planned alongside 19 three-bed and 19-two-bed duplex homes.

Agents for the developer have stated in correspondence to council that the project will see “high-quality homes”.

They added the development would have “both safety and aesthetic appeal”, there would be plentiful open space, and located just a five-minute drive from a proposed new rail station in Ballysimon.

But alongside Castletroy Golf Club, almost 40 other groups and individuals have contacted council with concern at the plans.

In that number are the Mount Green Residents Association and local Fine Gael councillor Peter Doyle.

Cllr Doyle has insisted he wants more houses in Limerick, but has pointed out there is lots of land without building adjacent to existing sports facilities.

He has said he is hopeful planners will insist the developer puts in a land barrier and fencing to prevent golf balls leaving the Castletroy Golf Club course.

The agents representing Castletroy Golf Club have estimated a 20 metre high netting spread across 300 metres would cost
€480,000, with adjustments to the tee, green and pathway coming to a further €253,600.

The application has been put on hold while more information is sought by council from the developer.