Decision made on plans for 85 homes in Limerick city centre

A render of how the apartments may have appeared if planning permission was given

placeholder image — A render of how the apartments may have appeared if planning permission was given

Council planners give verdict on multi-million euro project near city's ancient walls

PLANNERS have rejected multi-million euro plans to build dozens of new apartments near Limerick’s historic city wall.

Double Ex Investments sought the go-ahead to construct 85 living spaces on land behind Little Gerald Griffin Street in the city centre.

In order to do this, the developer was seeking to demolish a number of buildings with the new complex set to tower between three and eight storeys.

Five studio apartments were planned, alongside 37 one-bed apartments, 37 two-bed apartments and six with three beds.

However, part of the planning application proposed the demolition of a warehouse and industrial unit at 24 Little Gerald Griffin Street.

On this site was the former Royal Garter Inn, which was adjacent to Playhouse Lane.

Colloquially known as Moloney’s Yard, remains of the Inn are still present at the site, listed as a protected structure - which means it can only be removed in exceptional circumstances.

Described as being “an important architectural presence” on the street, it contains one of the few stabling archways in the city.

In a letter to the developer, council planners gave five reasons why it had chosen to reject the project.

The authority wrote that the development, due to its height and mass, would “fail to respect” the important historical areas of John’s Square, Lower Gerald Griffin Street and the St John’s architectural conservation area.

Council added it considered the development to be “visually obtrusive” and “would compromise the heritage character” of the area.

One proposed apartment block, council planners added, is “insensitive” to the historical setting and would “sever key historical connections”.

Concerns were also raised around the ecological impact the construction would have.

And they also expressed fear that a grant of permission would set a precedent for other similar high-rise developments.

There were five letters to the council expressing concern over the development.

Two of these were from neighbouring businesses, and one was signed by 20 residents of the surrounding area.

“As we have lost so much of our historical heritage in the past, we believe as much as possible should be protected for future generations,” said the residents.

Concern was expressed about traffic and noise from the development.