Land Development Agency to lodge plans for 285 homes at Limerick Gasworks site

THE Land Development Agency (LDA) is to lodge plans for 285 new affordable homes at The Gasworks, Dock Road, Limerick. The homes are to be developed on land being acquired by the Agency from Gas Networks Ireland (GNI).

The proposed development will include 142 one-bed, 127 two-bed and 16 three-bed apartments across three blocks ranging from 1-8 storeys. The plans also include provisions for a new public plaza, landscaped gardens, communal spaces, play areas, retail units and a childcare facility.

Existing heritage artifacts, including the freestanding limestone wall which faces on to Dock Road, will be retained and incorporated into the design.

Subject to approval, construction could begin in 2027 and will deliver much needed cost rental and social housing in Limerick city.

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Well situated, the proposed development is located beside the Dock Clock and is less than a 15-minute walk from Limerick city centre. It is well serviced through existing bus links which connect to primary and secondary schools, University of Limerick, University Hospital Limerick and Crescent Shopping Centre. The proposal also includes a provision for bicycle spaces and car park spaces at surface level.

The submission of a planning application for this site marks an important milestone for LDA delivery in Limerick and follows on from the launch of cost rental homes at The Mills in Castletroy earlier this year.

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency said: “Having worked extensively on the design process for this site, we are confident that this project, in a prime location near Limerick city centre, has the capacity to revitalise the area through the delivery of 285 much needed affordable homes and amenities".

“I want to recognise the ongoing collaboration between the LDA and Gas Networks Ireland, as we collectively seek solutions to accelerate housing delivery.”

Ronan Galwey, Acting CEO of Gas Networks Ireland added: “Gas Networks Ireland is proud to support the LDA in addressing the critical challenge of affordable housing. The Limerick site is a prime example of how state bodies can work in partnership with the LDA to unlock the potential of public land for the benefit of communities.”

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented: "The early stages of this project date back to my own time as Chair of the LDA. I’ve long believed in the potential of the Docklands to better serve the public good by unlocking lands for housing. It is heartening to see a project there reach a key milestone even if there is still a way to go."

He said that 285 potential new homes at such a strategic site would be another piece of the large jigsaw they are developing of similar projects in housing, infrastructure and other areas all across Limerick city and county.

"I do not want to minimise the scale of the challenge to catch up on the build-up of deficits in housing delivery over recent years, but moving forward is critical."

Delivering housing in Limerick has been, is and will continue to be my number one priority. This site, along with other lDA lands, is now monitored by the new governance arrangements we have put in place since last June to speed up delivery."