A residential development on a site which previously formed part of a public park in Limerick city is to be raised with the European Commission.
Kathy Sinnott MEP has lent her support to a campaign by residents opposed to the development of a green area at the People's Park, sold controversially to a private developer last year by Limerick City Council.
"To put this into context, imagine the public outcry if a big area of St Stephen's Green in Dublin was sold off to a private developer and a multistorey apartment block was built on the same site.
This piece of land belonged to the people of Limerick and they have been robbed - it's a complete and utter disgrace," she said.
The Munster MEP confirmed she had already raised the matter with the environmental section of the commission, and was awaiting a file on details of the sale of the land through the Freedom of Information Act.
Locals have expressed concern also that mature trees, including chestnut, lime and elm, could be felled as part of the next stage of the apartment complex.
Ms Sinnott said: "There is an environmental aspect to this development, as the trees are now brushing up against the windows of the apartments and it looks likely that they will have to be felled. In this day and age we need to be protecting and promoting green areas in our cities instead of disposing of them."
Residents were angered when the council sold the half-acre site last year to a private developer for €1.5 million. "The fact is this deal with the developer was done without adequate public consultation and as local residents we object to any further housing in the vicinity," said community activist Seán O'Neill.
Limerick City Council claimed the site, which had been used by park staff, was not part of the park proper, but locals claimed that a gift to the people by the earl of Limerick in the 19th century had been sold off without their consent.
The local authority has repeatedly stated the land deal was conducted properly and placed on display for public consultation before it was formally adopted by Limerick City Council.
The council maintains this section of the park was one of dozens identified as far back as 1998 as suitable for urban renewal.