Locals to have their say on Mungret development

Liam Togher – Limerick Post

FOLLOWING the purchase of the Mungret College grounds by Limerick County Council, local people have been asked to come forward with proposals for the 200-acre development.

Cllr James Collins believes that the Council’s investment in the Mungret College building and park offers “a unique opportunity” for residents in Mungret, Raheen and Dooradoyle to put their views forward.

He said: “We have asked County Council planners to prepare a Mungret College Master Plan to include sites for two primary schools, a secondary school and a new neighbourhood park. This must also include a traffic management plan. We are asking the public to engage with the process and make their views known to ensure its ultimate success.

“Clubs, societies and members of the public are encouraged to make submissions on what facilities they would like to see provided in the park. We have asked the council to hold a number of public information sessions to communicate the draft plan for Mungret College Park and explain how to make a submission. Public input is vital to the success of this local park project.”

Cllr Collins added that space in the Mungret College building will be made available for community and voluntary groups, a number of whom have already made their cases to the local authority.

“This year, we are spending €180,000 on a 25-acre neighbourhood park to the front of the college. This will need to be followed with subsequent funding in the coming years.”

The Department of Education is preparing planning applications for two new buildings for the Educate Together and Gael Scoil Raithin schools, both currently in temporary accommodation. Local councillors have made €125,000 available for a distributor road to access the schools which will be built in the Mungret grounds.

Cllr Collins reiterated his desire for a secondary school to be built in the area, saying: “We all know a secondary school is urgently needed for Raheen, Dooradoyle and Mungret. Labour Minister Ruairí Quinn has not agreed to build it yet.

“I continue to call on the Minister to provide a new secondary school at Mungret. The current policy of bussing secondary school students around the county should not continue. They should walk to school with their neighbours,” he said.