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UL: ‘No association’ with new apartments in Limerick estate

Nick Rabbitts, 22 Aug

UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL) says there’s “no association” between the

institute and a multi-storey apartment development planned just metres

away from houses UL purchased without planning permission for student

use.

Developers are seeking the green light to build a two and three-storey

apartment complex at Drominbeg Square in Rhebogue.

Already, 12 people have contacted council to express opposition to the

plan for the site adjacent to land where UL bought 20 units for its

third level students.

The €12.5m purchase came despite the fact permission was only in place

for residential use - meaning students could not use them.

Despite this, third level students are occupying the 20 homes, with one

local resident claiming his estate is “party central” as a result.

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Now the same company which developed these homes, Silvergrove, is

making a fresh bid to build 10 one-bed apartments and 15 two-bed

apartments.

The presence of an outdoor terrace in the development plan has sparked

fear among some that students could, once again, be housed there.

Of those who have written to the council, many have mentioned the

potential for third level students to move in.

Cllr Sarah Beasley, the chair of the Rhebogue Residents Association

stated: “The inclusion of a rooftop terrace in the development plan

raises serious concerns about potential noise pollution. Given the

likelihood of young students occupying the premises, it is reasonable

to anticipate frequent gatherings and parties, especially during

evenings and weekends. This noise pollution will disrupt the peace and

quiet of the residential area, adversely affecting the quality of life

for existing residents.”

However, the developer has said in details to council planners the

housing is “suitable for older persons and/or persons with

disabilities”.

On top of this, the planning file contains a commitment to allocate

five of the apartments to council tenants.

Cllr Beasley added she is not aware of any other apartment block which

has a roof terrace in Limerick.

Bob Curtis, whose house will be overshadowed by the apartments if they

get the go-ahead, said: “I’m here 40 years, and it’s the last thing I

was expecting to be built.”

In their own submissions to council, a number of other residents

identified an issue of the invasive Japanese Knotweed plant.

Cllr Beasley said when locals heard of this development, there was a

feeling of “here we go again”, given the huge opposition which greeted

the initial 20 homes at Drominbeg Square.

“It’s just not in keeping with the area. It looks like something which

would be built in an industrial estate,” she told Limerick Live.

“It feels like there is no thought for the people of Rhebogue. We don’t

have a bus stop, we don’t have a postbox. There is nothing for the

children,” she said.

Another local, Darren Beckett said even though he lives some distance

from the 20 other homes, he hears music at night.

“It’s loud. It’s keeping children awake. There’s a lady in the house on

her own. She doesn’t want to confront anybody, but at the same time,

she has had to get earplugs in order to sleep,” he said.

Silvergrove Developments did not return a request for comment from the

Leader.