‘Concrete jungle’ fear over 403 new apartments in Limerick
Parkway Valley revival plan sparks environmental concerns
COUNCIL planners have been urged to refuse an application to build 403 new apartments at the Horizon Mall/Parkway Valley site.
Environmental Trust Ireland, which describes its role as a “watchdog over environmentally unsustainable developments and planning irregularities,” has filed a 20-page objection with Limerick City and County Council over the site at Dublin Road.
As revealed by Limerick Live, Kirkland Investments has a blueprint in place for the site, which has lain largely idle since the onset of the economic meltdown in 2008.
This would see more than 400 apartments planned across five blocks of the site, alongside a creche and medical centre.
The buildings would range in height from five to eight storeys.
The plans have been supported by Limerick Chamber with its economist and policy director Sean Golden writing: “This type of density is exactly what Limerick requires, especially when close to main employment nodes such as the National Technology Park, City East Plaza and the city centre.”
Principal of nearby Limerick Educate Together Secondary School Eoin Shinners has also given his support, writing: “New homes in the area will help provide a stronger local population base, supporting enrolment, community participation, and the creation of a more vibrant, walkable neighbourhood.”
However, Environmental Trust Ireland has urged the rejection of the planning application.
The group has pointed out the development lies on an already elevated site.
"Due to the elevated nature and topography of the site, any development of the height proposed will have negative visual impact when viewed from the approach road to it,” the group added in its submission.
"The proposed development would replace natural green space and naturally occurring native species with a concrete jungle in an ecologically sensitive area,” the submission from the group adds.
Environmental Trust Ireland argues the site has direct hydrological connections to the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation.
"There are several drains running throughout the site draining to the River Groody, a tributary of the River Shannon. The River Groody is used by otters, lamprey use the sediments as a nursery. It is also of significance in respect of salmon stocks,” the group added.
Environmental Trust Ireland also says the site has ecological links to the Shannon Estuary, which is home to protected species like otters, swans, lamprey and Atlantic salmon.
And they also pointed to traffic congestion being an issue on Dublin Road.
"The proposed development is premature [and] will cause greater traffic congestion in an already congested area," they state.
Concerns were also raised about flooding, with the group believing the hard surfacing of building works would increase run-off into the Groody River, its wetlands, sparking an increase in flooding on the roadsides.
The planning application is accompanied by a range of technical reports, including assessments covering traffic, surface water drainage, stormwater management, ecology and other environmental matters. It is planned to build a bat house, and an assessment of the quality of homes has been provided.
A decision is due on July 22 next.