Limerick to get largest student accommodation development outside of Dublin

The 1,400-bed development is expected to be delivered in two phases, with the first due to be completed by mid-2028. 

Work is expected to begin on a €300m housing development in Limerick, which will be the largest ever student accommodation project outside of Dublin.

After securing planning permission from the local council, Groody Developments Ltd will be developing the site located at Groody, near the University of Limerick.

The 1,400-bed development is expected to be delivered in two phases, with the first due to be completed by mid-2028. The second phase will then be completed a year later.

The project will be developed on land fronting Groody Road and Dublin Road, and the buildings will tower up between five and eight storeys.

The development will also consist of other amenities for students, including a library, laundry room, union, and two canteens.

Whitebox Developments, which is promoting the scheme, has said work is expected to begin in the next three months. A total of 500 people will be employed during the construction of the site.

Education minister James Lawless said: “We commend Groody Developments Ltd for their commitment to Limerick and look forward to seeing more partnerships that deliver for students and communities alike. I warmly welcome the 1,400-student bed development. 

"With student numbers continuing to grow, this private sector–funded project represents a vital step forward in ensuring our learners have access to safe, modern, and well-connected accommodation. 

"This investment in student housing is a win for the entire Limerick academic community. Mary Immaculate College students, like those at University of Limerick, will benefit directly from this accommodation.”

Managing director of Whitebox, Martin White, said it is a "hugely important investment for Limerick".

"We are proud to be delivering a project that will make a real, lasting difference for students, families, and the entire region. The scale of this development reflects our confidence in Limerick’s future as a thriving academic and economic hub, and our belief that students deserve access to quality, affordable, modern accommodation.”