Urgent Planning Dispute Erupts Over Church Floodlights in Limerick

BREAKING: A heated planning dispute has erupted in Kilcornan, Co Limerick, as locals challenge a recent council decision to approve floodlights at the village’s Catholic church. The residents’ group has lodged an urgent appeal with An Coimisiún Pleanála, contesting the granting of retention permission to Fr Tim Wrenn, the parish priest.

The controversy centers around unauthorized works that have sparked significant concern among villagers. Just days ago, Limerick City and County Council approved the floodlights, which residents argue were installed without proper planning approval.

Local voices are raising their objections, emphasizing the community’s right to have a say in changes to public spaces. The residents claim that the floodlights not only disrupt the village’s aesthetic but also pose potential safety issues.

In a statement released earlier today, a spokesperson for the residents’ group expressed,

“We believe that all changes to our community spaces should be transparent and subject to the proper planning processes. This is about preserving the character of Kilcornan.”

The appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála marks a pivotal moment in this developing situation. If successful, it could lead to the removal of the floodlights and a reassessment of the planning permissions granted.

As tensions rise, the local community is on edge, awaiting the outcome of this urgent dispute. Residents are encouraged to voice their opinions through public meetings scheduled for next week. The implications of this case extend beyond just floodlights; it raises questions about community engagement and the authority of local governance.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, with the next public meeting set to take place on October 18, 2023. The outcome could reshape the planning landscape in Kilcornan and impact similar initiatives across the region.