Novas ‘not involved in new project’ adjacent to its support facility in Limerick city

HOMELESSNESS charity Novas has said it is “not involved” in any development adjacent to one of its support facilities in the city centre.

Developers Indus Ventures have applied for planning permission from Limerick City and County Council to demolish a warehouse and build 48 new apartments in St Alphonsus Street.

The development land is just a stone’s throw away from McGarry House, a facility run by Novas supporting those without a home of their own.

Opened in 2002, McGarry House supports 37 long-term residents in one, two and three-bed apartments, and provides emergency beds for 30 people.

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Thirty-five people based in the vicinity of the area have signed a petition urging council -if it gives permission to the development - to ensure it will “never be used as an extension to the existing Novas facility on Alphonsus Street or indeed used for similar residential/sheltered/drug or homeless housing uses.”

Dr Una Burns, the head of advocacy and communications with Novas said: “Just to confirm Novas is not involved in any development at Alphonsus Street”.

Previously, this newspaper reported on how householders and business owners had felt this part of the city centre had gone into “rapid decline”.

Locals said there has been a “significant increase in verbal, and physical assaults, theft, shoplifting, vandalism, open drug dealing and consumption in the area of Upper Henry Street”. There is no suggestion this is anything to do with the users of the Novas facility at Alphonsus Street.

Council was expected to make a decision on the plans for 48 new apartments on Friday, August 1. However, this decision date has been put back, with planners seeking more information on the proposals. They’ve asked the applicant to cut the height, citing concerns over the impact on the streetscape.

The developer has also been asked to make 10% of the apartments three-bedroomed, and recommended these go on the top floor.

At present, the plans show the apartments will be constructed in a mix of one-bedroom and two bed units. Once more information is provided, a fresh decision date will be set.