Decision made over new apartment plan at landmark Limerick hotel

AN BORD Pleanala has made a decision on a multi-million euro housing and commercial development in Limerick.

Permission has been afforded for a massive new multi-storey apartment development beside the Great National South Court Hotel in Raheen.

It comes despite two residents associations appealing against the council's previous decision to grant permission to the plan to the national appeals body.

They are fearful of overdevelopment of the area, the pressure it will place on local services and amenities, a depreciation in their house values, and that such a towering development is out of place in the area.

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Local Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler says the move to "overlook" their concerns is "deeply disappointing".

Under the plans, part of the South Court Hotel will be demolished to pave the way for the development by Can2 Investments Ltd.

In place of this, there will be an mixed-use complex on a 2.31 acre site. It will tower up seven floors.

Some 104 apartments were originally proposed. But the national planning authority has also ruled the developer must cut this down to 84 homes.

A childcare facility, retail units and all associated site works are also included.

The development will also include upgrades and modifications to the current hotel on site.

There is a proposed direct connection between the South Court Hotel and the mixed-use development through a new one-storey and basement "hotel link".

This will include a reception, cafe, and seating area, alongside a commercial kitchen, staff welfare facilities and an extension to the existing Cream Room Bar.

Residents of the neighbouring Courtfields Estate and The Grange Residents Association had objected to An Bord Pleanala.

Cllr Butler said: "The decision to overlook significant local concerns regarding the scale and height of this development is deeply disappointing. While residents recognise the urgent need for housing, the scale of this particular project is entirely out of character with the area."

He also argued that An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant permission places extra pressure on the council and other government agencies to deliver supporting infrastructure.

"The area is already experiencing substantial housing growth, which continues to strain local infrastructure—particularly in terms of traffic congestion. Despite repeated calls, we are still waiting for the delivery of a dedicated community centre. Local schools are also under severe pressure, struggling to accommodate growing student numbers, and the broader lack of support facilities only heightens community frustration," he added.

An Bord Pleanala granted the development permission subject to 15 conditions