Major revamp of former Limerick hotel approved despite objections

A MULTI-MILLION euro redevelopment of a landmark former city centre hotel can now go ahead after planners threw out an objection from An Taisce.

An Bord Pleanala has cleared the way for a new student accommodation complex at the former Railway Hotel, which has been out of use for almost a decade.

The proposals will see the redevelopment of the once-popular hotel, opposite Limerick Colbert bus and rail station.
Behind this, a new seven-storey building is planned to be constructed.

Some 111 students will be housed in total across 25 apartments, and outside of term time, these bed spaces may also be used for tourist accommodation.

READ ALSO: Late night criminal damage incident in Limerick town

The neighbouring McEnery’s general store will be demolished according to the plans, with a three-storey complex erected in its place.

A ground floor cafe is planned at Parnell Street.

It was the former owners of the site which secured planning permission for its redevelopment.

Tom Crosse of GVM Auctioneers, which sold the property to new owners in March, said he believes it’s their intention to continue with the proposals for student halls.

“The new owners are from North Tipperary. They are in the hospitality business. I think their plan is to ultimately develop it as a student complex,” he said.

Although council gave the plans the green light last year, An Taisce submitted an appeal to An Bord Pleanala.

The heritage group expressed concerns about the lack of amenity space plus the height and design of the new-build among other things.

First opened in 1871 as an old coach inn, the Railway Hotel sits at the junction of Davis Street and Parnell Street in the city centre.