Anger over planning permission for development in Adare

A DECISION by Limerick County Council to give planning permission for a three-storey residential development in the heritage town of Adare has sparked local anger.

The village community council was due to meet last night to decide on a plan of action to fight the decision.

The proposed development on the Rathkeale Road is located next to a 25-acre site which Adare Manor has donated to the village as a community playing area and for recreational facilities.

Tony Sexton, chairman of Adare Community Council, said they were amazed at the county council’s decision to give permission for a three-storey development in Adare given the heritage nature of the village.

“The council told the developers even as recently as June that a three-storey development would be unacceptable,” he said.

The proposed development by a company named Sonas also proposes limited retail outlets and a nursing home.

Mr Sexton said: “A three-storey structure would be totally out of character with Adare. We are not against development, but a three-storey outlet in any part of the village would be out of character.”

A spokesman for Limerick County Council said there is one part of the proposed development which will be three storeys.

“If anybody wishes to appeal, they can appeal to Bord Pleanála,” he said.

He said that there was already a three-storey development near the old creamery in the village and they had not received any complaint about that.