Compromise proposal for new housing estate on doorstep of Castletroy Golf Club in Limerick

FINE Gael City East councillor Peter Doyle has suggested a compromise which he feels will allow the building of 114 new homes, while also protecting a local golf club.

An inspector with An Coimisiún Pleanála is currently deliberating on whether to afford planning permission to developer Sonnervale to build the houses on the northside of Castletroy Golf Club, near Golf Links Road.

The massive scheme would see 60 houses in total - divided between 16 four-bed detached homes and 44 three-bed semi-detached units.

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Sixteen two-bed apartments are in the blueprint, as are 38 duplex units, split into three-bed and two-bedroom accommodation.

A variety of other developments are planned for the site, notably a creche.

But the plans have proven to be unpopular locally - with Castletroy Golf Club previously warning of its continued operation should building go ahead.

Now, Cllr Doyle has suggested a measure to protect the popular sporting facility in the community.

In a letter to the national planning appeals body, he wrote: “I propose a buffer of land in this development be planted with suitable trees and fenced to protect the boundary of Castletroy Golf Course at its first hole and this proposed development.

Access would have to be restricted by a fence to prevent children entering same.”

Cllr Doyle said he is fully supporting both Castletroy Golf Club in its objection, alongside the Mount Green Residents Association.

“We are all in favour of more houses, but not at the expense of our sports amenities. A concession as I propose would protect the golf course and allow the development to proceed with the above modification,” added the councilor and businessman.

The residents' association are seeking to save the wall and a line of mature trees, which they say is likely used by the local bat population.

“In my view there is no merit in knocking a wall built in 2024 and destroying a line of lovely trees,” Cllr Doyle wrote.

Limerick City and County Council had given Sonnervale permission to construct 114 homes, subject to a number of conditions.

However, 13 people appealed against the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Among those who write to the planning authority are the Mount Green Residents Association and Castletroy Golf Club.

The residents’ association’s original appeal to the council was signed by 41 people living in and around the development site in Castletroy.

A decision is scheduled to be made on or before Thursday, April 16.