💾 Archived View for eir.mooo.com › nuacht › lui16849455683.gmi captured on 2023-05-24 at 18:01:31. Gemini links have been rewritten to link to archived content
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
David Hurley, 24 May
AN Bord Pleanála has rejected plans for a significant housing
development in Limerick city.
Revington Developments had sought to build almost 450 homes on a
four-acre site off Pa Healy Road at Canal Bank in Rhebogue.
The proposed development would have seen the construction of seven
high-rise blocks to include 363 build-to-rent apartments in a mix of
studio, one-bed room and two bedroom units. A further 61 student
apartments were proposed alongside 18 dwelling houses.
Revington Developments had also sought permission to demolish an
existing warehouse and the erection of a cafe, three retail units, a
creche and management facilities.
[2023-05-24_16_14_54_2023_02_24-2023-02-24_17_31_40_gn4_dat_15970596-jp
g-1677259926083-jpg-1684941963316.jpg--bench_warrant_issued_for_woman_w
ho_stabbed_tinder__date__at_limerick_apartment_complex.jpg?168494196334
0]
Bench warrant issued for woman who stabbed Tinder 'date' at Limerick
apartment complex
In 2020 An Bord Pleanala rejected the multi-million euro proposals on
account of the fact the development site supports different species of
otter.
A fresh application, which was subsequently lodged, has now been
rejected.
In its decision, which was formally approved earlier this week, a
number of reasons for the refusal were outlined by the board including
concerns relating to the potential impact on the River Shannon and the
River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area and the potential to
cause flooding in other locations.
An Bord Pleanala also stated that it is precluded from granting
permission due to inadequate information provided by the developers on
the impact of the development on Lutra Lutra Otters.
The six-page document also states the inclusion of retail units in the
proposed development "materially contravenes" the Limerick Development
Plan 2022-2028 given the zoning that applies in the area.
The board also found the the site of the proposed development "is not
identified as one to support a tall building" and that it is is located
in a in an area "where densities in excess of 100 units per hectare are
encouraged".
In its report to the board, Limerick City and County Council
recommended that planning permission be granted.
Environmental Trust Ireland, which lodged a submission with An Bord
Pleanala regarding the proposed development, has welcomed the decision
to refuse permission.
Its president, solicitor Michelle Hayes commented: "We are in a
biodiversity loss crisis and we cannot on the one hand declare a
biodiversity loss crisis when massive large scale monstrosities like
this, if unchallenged, would create a concrete jungle which potentially
would have major detrimental consequences for Habitats and Ecosystems
within specially designated environmental areas protected at European
level. Where half the world's species have disappeared or are at risk
of extinction, care must be exercised to ensure that developments do
not contribute to the biodiversity loss crisis."