PLANS for the extension and partial redevelopment of the Analog Devices plant in the Raheen Industrial Estate have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
The plans were appealed by neighbouring landowner Mike Fenton, citing concerns about the maintenance of the water course on the Loughmore Canal.
Mr Fenton had lodged an objection to Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) when the plans were before them, maintaining that the development would lead to flooding on his lands. He also expressed concerns about foul water discharging into the canal.
Now, the same landowner has decided to appeal LCCC’s original decision to grant permission for the development to the state planning appeals board.
Mr Fenton’s appeal centres on the same key issues, and an agent acting for Mr Fenton called on the IDA, who own the business park, to “undertake a full and comprehensive survey of all existing foul and storm sewers within the business park”.
Analog had sought permission for the development for the regeneration of their site, including partial demolition of sections of the existing factory, the change of use from industrial to offices and a new two or three-storey extension to contain offices, a high tech laboratory/research space, meeting rooms, a reception area, a canteen, an employee’s gym area, social spaces, an external terrace, and the associated roof plant.
The appeal letter states that the development on the site of the business park has been an “ongoing concern for adjacent landowners”.
“Previous contractual agreements have been made between the relevant landowners, IDA, and Limerick City and County Council to maintain the canal to prevent the lands flooding, however these agreements have not been complied with,” the appeal letter states.
The development was also appealed by another neighbouring landowner and former Limerick senior hurling manager Tom Ryan, citing the same concerns, however this appeal was decided to be invalid by An Bord Pleanála.
A decision is due on the appeal by March 2024.
