Objection could put freeze on play centre plan in Limerick

AN OBJECTION has been made to stop the opening of a children’s play centre amid road safety concerns for the youngsters who would use the facility.

Janet and Leanne Garvey secured conditional planning permission from Limerick City and County Council to transform part of an existing building at the Newcastle West Enterprise Centre.

They had sought the go-ahead to open a play centre for children, alongside a coffee dock, reception, sanitary facilities, offices, plus new signage and other minor works.

But the decision has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála by executives of a refrigeration firm, which operates from the same enterprise hub.

Brian A Flynn Ltd employs around 70 people, supports subcontractors and provides specialist engineering services to a range of industrial and commercial clients.

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It’s the largest independently owned industrial refrigeration, commercial freezer and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration specialist in Ireland.

Agents for the firm have stated that while they are not opposed in principle to the re-use of vacant buildings like the one which is projected to be converted, they feel the level of road safety assurance has not been demonstrated.

In a planning statement, the applicants pointed out the proposed development would comprise of an indoor children’s play area, with seating and waiting areas for parents and guardians.

"This facility will operate on a managed session-based model, and will not function as a drop-off facility. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times,” wrote Janet and Leanne Garvey.

However, the agent for Brian A Flynn Ltd added this statement also characterised the road environment by the industrial unit as office-fronted and free from the movement of heavy goods vehicles.

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"The appellant contends that this characterisation materially misrepresents the operational reality of the estate, as evidenced by photographic material submitted with the appellant’s original planning submission,” they stated, adding the engineering business relies on the movement of heavy goods vehicles.

"Children attending an indoor play centre are among the most vulnerable categories of road user. Their unpredictability of movement, limited hazard perception and inability to assess vehicle speed and distance make their proximity to active heavy goods vehicles routes a matter requiring formal safety assessment, not assumption,” the agent added.

Limerick City and County Council granted the change-of-use of the industrial unit planning permission subject to five conditions.

In this number was a request for the applicant to provide a full specification for bicycle parking at the planned centre.

In the appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála, Brian A Flynn's agents claimed Limerick City and County Council’s planners have “failed to adequately address the operational context of the estate or the specific safety risks arising from the introduction of a children's destination leisure use into an active industrial environment.”

An Coimisiún Pleanála is scheduled to make a decision by October 1 next.