Limerick nightclub owner Flan's ire over student complex plan

THE owner of a well-known city nightclub, set to re-open after six years, has objected to plans for a student accommodation development on its doorstep.

As revealed by Limerick Live, Costello’s Tavern on Dominic Street – owned by Flan Costello – is due to re-open later this year for the first time since March 2020.

Just yards away, planning permission is being sought for a student accommodation complex, which is proposed to range from six to eight storeys in height and provide accommodation for 350 people.

Now, Mr Costello, who owns the nightclub, has contacted the council to request that it refuses planning permission for the student development, citing concerns about its height.

In a detailed objection, he raised concerns that, if it goes ahead, the development would cast an extensive shadow over Costello’s Tavern for most of the day, create a “darker, colder internal environment” and reduce natural daylight.

Mr Costello said this was particularly important as he intends to install solar panels on the roof of Costello’s Tavern.

Mr Costello also said he feels the building earmarked for between Lady’s Lane and Hunt’s Lane, off Dominic Street, would be “visually overbearing and entirely inappropriate”. He said it would diminish the architectural character of the neighbourhood and set a precedent for more high-rise schemes.

The developers Lanehunt did not return a request for comment, but in planning documents, stated that there is an established pattern of six-to-eight-storey development in the immediate area, pointing to plans in Parnell Street and another student complex of up to seven storeys permitted at the former Railway Hotel.

Mr Costello also claimed that the Tavern is an older structure – dating back to the mid-1800s – and that any works would pose a risk to its “foundations and structural integrity”. He fears the “cracking of walls, plaster, brickwork and historic features”, alongside the disturbance of underground pipes and services.

In council correspondence, Lanehunt noted the presence of historic structures in the area, and acknowledged that building is planned for the edge of the Georgian Newtown Pery conservation area.

These are “important considerations”, the firm said, but added: “The subject site does not contain any protected structures, surviving historic buildings or structures of cultural significance”.

Mr Costello claimed the proposed development would increase construction traffic on narrow streets, see a rise in delivery and service vehicle congestion, and spark noise, disruption and pedestrian safety risks, particularly at night.

“Costello’s Tavern has operated for decades and is a well-known part of Limerick’s nightlife and cultural identity. The proposed development threatens its operation,” he added.

Lanehunt has provided the council with details of a construction management plan it will be guided by if it gets permission.

The plan will be targeted at reducing the impact of development during construction on the local area, as well as neighbouring buildings and businesses.

The firm also pledged “good neighbour” relationships, and “good communication at all times”.

No car parking will be provided for staff working on site. The ground floor of the student housing development planned to have a cafe, gym, study rooms and laundry.

Council is due to make a decision next month.