Irish Cement opposes plans for 159 new homes in Limerick

IRISH Cement has opposed plans for a massive new housing development on its doorstep in Mungret over fears it could “inhibit” its own expansion.

Tergnum Properties have secured conditional planning permission from council for a new estate with 139 homes along the N69.

The decision was welcomed by a number of local councillors.

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But Irish Cement, which said it is considering appealing this decision to An Bord Pleanala, has written to the local authority twice to express concern over the scheme.

“This planning application is not consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” agents for the firm have stated.

Irish Cement, which employs more than 100 people in Mungret, has, in recent years, fought a protracted battle with local residents over its plans to switch away from fossil fuel in favour of solid recovered waste for its production of the building material, ultimately securing permission for this in 2021.

In its submissions to council, the company’s agents indicated permission will be sought for its own expansion plan in future, which could take its factory just 40m from the rear wall of some of the proposed houses.

“Given the proximity of the proposed residential units to ICL’s (Irish Cement Limerick) site there is the potential for complaints and objections from any future residents to planning applications made by ICL, which could inhibit any future development,” it is stated.

Irish Cement’s agents have said Tergnum Properties should be ordered to put in place measures to mitigate against the noise from its factory on the homes it would build. Triple-glazed windows and composite doors were suggested.

“If granted, it is considered imperative the applicant be obliged to provide assurances that any potential residential occupiers are notified that an active industrial site is located on land zoned for this purpose to the north of the site,” the firm added.

Irish Cement said it is “seriously concerned” about the impact this development could have on its limestone supply, vital in the production of cement.

“It is imperative to ICL that its strategically important cement plant facility and associated proven long-term reserves are protected. It is not evident from this application that limestone resources and cement plant activities on the adjacent lands will not be impacted by the proposed development,” the firm’s agents concluded.

Irish Cement has a fortnight to decide if it will appeal council’s decision to An Bord Pleanala.

A number of other groups and individuals also wrote to council over the plans.

They also have the option to lodge an appeal to the national planning authority.

The homes are made up of 10 one-bed apartments, 45 two-bed apartments, 65 three-bed apartments and homes, and 19 four-bedroomed homes.

Tergnum Properties had previously planned a development with 98 homes on the same site, but these proposals were withdrawn, paving the way for the increased number.