Proposals to build a 50 bedroom hotel at the Unicorn Bar in Dooradoyle have been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.
Limerick County Council had approved plans for the €4m development, which would see two homes situated between the Unicorn and the roundabout of St Paul’s Church demolished and replaced with a budget hotel.
According to the plans, the hotel will provide American style semi-catering rooms, as well as a gym. While there would be a new reception area, the existing Unicorn Bar will act the main bar and restaurant.
However, the plans proved to be unpopular with some local residents, with 13 of them objecting to the proposals.
Among the concerns expressed to Limerick County Council were an increase in anti-social behaviour, traffic hazard, and a drop in the value of their homes among other things.
Despite this, planners at County Hall gave the development the green light subject to a number of conditions.
Now, six residents have appealed that decision to the national planning body.
They include the Gouldavoher Residents Association, and residents of the nearby Fr Russell Road.
Local councillor Richard Butler of Fine Gael said: “One thing that should be taken into consideration is the opinion of many residents who have lived there all their lives. They want to take it to An Bord Pleanala, and this is their right.”