LABOUR councillor Joe Leddin has welcomed what he described as the “significant progress” being made to facilitate the development of 252 new houses and apartments on the grounds of the former Mungret College.
The original Part 8 planning application by Limerick 2030, on behalf of the Council, proposed the construction of 253 houses comprising of 36 two-bed, 110 three-bed, 26 four-bed, two six-bed community dwellings, and 47 one-bed apartments.
The Mungret College development includes apartments for older persons and those requiring assisted living together with social and affordable housing units also being provided.
In addition, a crèche to accommodate 70 children together with a community café and two retail units was also included in the original planning application. During the consultation process, the community in Mungret Woods raised concerns about the loss of the existing green area for young children to play along with highlighting concerns on the potential traffic and environmental impact.
According to City West representative Joe Leddin, the current construction of the new link road on the grounds of Mungret College means that traffic from the new estate will not access via the existing Mungret Woods estate. The removal of one housing unit, he explained, will enable the existing green area to be retained as an open space play area for local children.
“A subsequent appeal to An Bord Pleanála was dismissed while a request for a judicial review was then lodged in the High Court. While concerns remain regarding proposed pedestrian access between the existing and new housing development construction of new houses could commence next year following the withdrawal of the judicial review,” Cllr Leddin told the Limerick Post.
“Further meetings to resolve outstanding issues to enable the housing development to proceed are scheduled. As a local councillor, I proposed during the planning consultation process that the number of affordable houses proposed in the application be increased from 50 units subject to additional funding support from Government. I understand that additional Government funding is committed which will enable a significant increase in affordable units to be included in the development.
“Investment in infrastructure is continuing to take place with construction underway for a new school for Mungret Community College. In addition, the provision of lands for other sporting organisations will enhance the development of community and recreational facilities, delivering a sustainable community for families and people to live,” the Labour councillor concluded.
