THE owner of a derelict building issued with a court order for its demolition, has lodged a new planning application for redevelopment, to include retail units, apartments and car parking. His original application had been for a multi-storey car park.
The vacant building is in close proximity to the Milk Market and Watergate.
It is an eyesore on the streetscape and a source of disturbance to local residents.
“The hoardings had come down, there was moss all over the building, which has been attracting anti-social activity, and young people and children going into it were at risk of being injured – overall, the building was an ugly blot that was ruining the area,” said Cllr Joe Leddin.
Recently, the councillor said that if the owner was in breach of the court order, the council should pursue the issue.
“After all, we succeeded in having a derelict building opposite St John’s Cathedral demolished not too long ago, on foot of a court order”.
This week, however, it emerges that the owner of the derelict building on Robert Street has appealed the order served on him in Limerick District Court to the Circuit Court.
“That means he will get a stay of execution, but if planning permission is granted and he proceeds to redevelop the building, that would be a positive move for the area. But, let’s hope he does not stall for another period of over five years again – we will be watching this with interest,” cllr Leddin told the Limerick Post.
Last week, he called on the council’s Economic Policy and Future Planning Committee to contact the owners of the Opera Centre to carry out, as a mater of urgency, a structural examination of the buildings, to ascertain if they are structurally sound.
