Residents living on the banks of the Shannon claimed at a Bord Pleanála hearing yesterday that the University of Limerick was ignoring their concerns by proposing to build a bridge across the river and a new student development.
Mr Andrew Reale, a witness for the objector, UL's Environmental Society, said he lived in a riverside fisherman's chalet at Plassey, outside the city. The proposed €38 million development, which includes a new student village north of the river in Co Clare, close to a proposed Special Area of Conservation (SAC), would integrate the area with the university, he said.
This would lead to noise pollution, closed-circuit television cameras, traffic and partying. "None of the other hut owners or boat owners have been approached. The retired people who use that bank every day, it is the centre of their community."
His mother, Ms Kathleen Reale, said she was born in the Ferry House on the bank and had connections with the area all her life. It was the only place left in Limerick for picnics.
"Plassey reared half of Limerick city in the years gone by and we feel very hurt."
Mr Dan O'Neill, a third generation resident of a chalet, said the bridge and new student residence would destroy the wildlife which included otters, waterfowl, foxes and owls. "Animals will move, I will move. Nobody will be able to live there with the noise and pollution. That big concrete slab of a thing will not fit in there no matter what you do with it," he said.
An Taisce made a submission to the chairman of the hearing, Mr Paul Caprani, saying the development would compound damage already done to the integrity of proposed SACs in the area.
The hearing concluded yesterday and a decision by An Bord Pleanála is due in May.