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.