Significant update issued on plans for new medical centre in Limerick

COUNCIL has denied planning permission for a medical firm to transform an office in Raheen as the land is not designated for healthcare.

Centric Healthcare, the largest privately-owned provider of primary healthcare in the country, sought permission from the local authority for a new surgery at the Raheen Business Park.

The firm were seeking to change an existing two-storey office building to a GP practice.

This would comprise a reception, waiting room and administration area.

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On top of this, six consulting rooms, a nurses station and a staff area were also planned.

The office in question is known as 4Site House and lies in Cloughkeating Avenue at Raheen Business Park.

There was an objection to the development from a landowner who neighbours the property.

The landowner, who has objected to many different projects within the Raheen Industrial Estate alleged contractual agreements between council and the landowners regarding the Loughmore Canal have not been complied with.

They also expressed concern over the increasing amount of development at the Raheen Industrial Estate.

They suggested it “does not have the infrastructure to support the current level of development”.

Council denied permission, saying the development as proposed is not consistent with the development plan for the area.

Approved by councillors, this determines what can be built and where.

Council said it is for this reason that approving the development “would be contrary to both the development plan and the proper planning of the area.”

Centric Healthcare will have the opportunity to appeal the council’s decision to An Bord Pleanala should it wish to.