A MULTI-MILLION euro healthcare development on the northside of Limerick City was given the green light by council planners this week.
The development will see a UPMC hospital developed on Moyross Avenue, just at the end of the new Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road.
The €40million medical campus is touted to create 230 jobs in the area once it opens its doors.
The project, a collaboration between UPMC, development firm Whitebox, and Clúid Housing Association, will see further planning applications come before Limerick City and County Council in the months ahead.
This first phase of the development to be given planning approval will see a private day hospital built on the site that has become known as the Ballygrennan Regional Development site.
As part of future plans for the site, 115 homes will be built, along with a nursing home to be operated by Mowlam Healthcare.
The second phase will be for the development of a €20million, three-storey nursing home employing a further 90 full-time and part-time staff.
The second application will also include 115 residential units, comprising 73 three and four-bedroom houses and 42 two-bedroom apartments.
The residential element of the second phase will see a further €40million investment and 30 full and part-time staff.
Limerick Chamber wrote to Limerick City and County Council in support of the development, saying that the new healthcare facility will “bolster health infrastructure” in Limerick and the Mid West.
The letter, co-signed by Chamber CEO Dee Ryan and Chief Economist Seán Golden, said that “the provision of additional capital infrastructure projects in the health sector is of critical importance”.
“Providing additional healthcare facilities, on top of what is already planned, will ensure we can efficiently deal with the pent-up demand within the system and adequately plan for future population growth.”
Planners granted the permission for phase one of the development, subject to 20 conditions.
Among the conditions imposed are that at least 10 per cent of the car parking spaces be equipped with EV charging infrastructure, and that the rest of the spaces also be provided with the infrastructure so EV charging can be introduced in the future.
Another condition stipulated that lockers, showers, and changing room facilities be provided for staff at the hospital.
