The River Shannon would be a central feature in an expanded University of Limerick campus, the vice-president of the college, Mr John O'Connor, said at the first day of an oral hearing into the proposed building of a bridge across the river.
The university's Environmental Society has objected to the €38 million project, which includes a fourth student village north of the river in Co Clare near a proposed conservation area.
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board and the Limerick and District Anglers Association were originally opposed to the development on the grounds that it would interfere with salmon spawning grounds but withdrew their objection after an agreement was reached with the university authorities. Mr John Gibbons SC, for the university, declined to provide a copy of the agreement to Mr Peter Sweetman, a member of the Friends of the Irish Environment group, which is representing the objectors.
Mr Paul Caprani, the chairman of the hearing, said he had a document from the anglers saying they had withdrawn their objection.
Mr O'Connor said student numbers were expected to increase from 9,076 this year to 11,800 in 2005. "The only expansion of the campus possible is north of the River Shannon in Co Clare," he said.
Along with 500 student residences, a nursing school, an academy for performing arts and research facilities were planned for the north campus. A new bridge was necessary to integrate the campus.
Mr Paul Murphy of Natura Environmental Consultants said there was no evidence bridge lights would have a significant impact on the spawning or migratory behaviour of salmon or lamprey eels.
The hearing continues today.