Decision made on planned tower block of apartments in Limerick

CONDITIONAL planning permission has been given for a new apartment complex in Limerick city centre.

Indus Ventures has secured the green light from Limerick City and County Council for the development at St Alphonsus Street.
As part of the plans, an existing warehouse building will be demolished.

It will be replaced by a block towering up between five and six storeys.

It will incorporate 25 one-bedroom apartments and 23 two-bedroom apartments.

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Secure bike parking, bulk storage rooms, a plant room, internal refuse storage and rooftop solar panels are also planned.

There has been some opposition to the proposals from locals.

Many urged council planners that if they grant permission, they place conditions on the developer over who can live there.

In that number was Independent councillor Maria Donoghue who said the development should “prioritise occupation by key worker or affordable accommodation.”

Chamber chief executive Michelle Gallagher added: “This area of the city centre is in particular need of a significant quantity of affordable and private housing.”

There were fears that, given its neighbouring proximity to the McGarry House homeless shelter run by Novas, it could be used as overspill accommodation.

Novas communications boss Dr Una Burns previously confirmed that the charity has no connection with the development.

And, last week, Adam Kearney, a director of the development firm planning the apartments confirmed if approved, they will not be used for emergency accommodation.

Limerick City and County Council gave permission for the development subject to 19 conditions.

Among this was a stipulation that at least 12 swift nest boxes be incorporated into the construction of the site, and any measures designed to facilitate swift nesting, including the playing of calls, shall be approved by a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist and agreed in writing with the planning authority.