Decision made on plan for huge new development on edge of Limerick
Some 403 new homes earmarked at Parkway Valley site in Dublin Road
PLANS for a massive new development on the edge of Limerick have been approved.
The decision could see construction begin at the long-dormant Horizon Mall/Parkway Valley site for the first time since 2008.
Some 403 apartments are planned across five blocks on the land, ranging from five to eight storeys, with the developer previously saying up to 500 jobs will be supported during the construction phase.
A medical centre and creche is also planned, while there will be just over two hectares of communal space, under the approved plans.
According to the approved plans, block A of the development will see 78 new units, block B will contain 92 homes.
Block C will have 88 units, block D will welcome 83 homes and the final block, E, will be home to 62 new units.
Some 246 of the apartments will be one-bedroomed and 157 will have two bedrooms.
The vast site in Limerick has a storied history – it has lain largely dormant since the economic crash of 2008.
During the Celtic Tiger era, there were plans to develop a cinema, shopping centre and ice-rink at the land.
Plans for another shopping centre – Horizon Mall, which would have seen Limerick’s first branch of Marks and Spencer – also came and went.
And in 2023, the Leader exclusively revealed the site had been bought by Kirkland Investments, fronted by Rudi Butler, the son of prominent city developer Robert Butler.
Three years on, the firm has secured the go-ahead to develop.
Kirkland is responsible for a number of hallmark local developments, including the 1BQ tower in the city centre, home to communications firm Verizon, plus the new Towlerton suburb near Ballysimon Road, which includes the new Bons Secours Hospital, Limerick Educate Together Secondary School and a Lidl store.
Support for the development came from Limerick Chamber, plus the secondary school’s principal Eoin Shinners.
There was a sole objection, from Environmental Trust Ireland, which raised a number of environmental concerns.
Council gave the development permission subject to 24 conditions.
These included a ruling that a minimum of four swallow nestr cups will be included in the development, and as many native species as possible be included in the landscaping plan.
Two in every 10 car parking spaces should also be ready for electric vehicle charging.
It requested the developer to pay €1.3m to council for public infrastructure and facilities around the site.