SHAPING FUTURE LIMERICK
This sentiment was echoed by Will Corcoran, Regional Manager MidWest Region at IDA Ireland. “Talent is the number one question we’re asked by companies: that’s constant, it never goes away,” he says. We’re fortunate to have centres of educational excellence on our doorstep, but Corcoran believes that fostering an environment that’s attractive for our highly-skilled workforce to live and work is vital for retaining those graduates and fulfilling the companies’ needs for talent. “It’s always going to be a challenge because the skills and talent needs are always changing, but as a region we’re well-placed in that regard. Cost of living and quality of life are key to attracting companies and employees, and for trying to retain our talented graduates in the region.” The ‘Future Development of Limerick City’ Report – published by Limerick Chamber and produced by Indecon Research Economists – confirms Corcoran’s opinion that Limerick is well-placed to attract talent. The report points to Limerick city as one of the more affordable cities in the country, with the second highest disposable income per person after Dublin. However, it also highlights an urgent need for initiatives that promote vital, liveable city centres, particularly with the population of Limerick expected to grow by 10% by 2040. Dr. Pat Daly of LCCC said that plans afoot will deliver this and more. “We’re zoning out major living and investment locations and districts in the city,” he explained. “As a planned feature, the way we’re shaping the town is the first major new development since the Georgian era and the Newtown Pery development, which is very significant.” However, in a departure from the 18th century plans, public consultation is a major driver of the details. “We’re asking people how they feel about these plans, how they’ll affect them, and how they see themselves in it — it’s very exciting,” Daly said. Daly hopes to build on the success of
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the past. He thinks the next phase of development will deliver even more: “We’ll have new districts with mixed use, including offices, research, living, right in the centre that’ll really enable Limerick to reach its potential.” The planned €500m revitalisation of Limerick’s waterfront will go a long way toward achieving this goal, as it will hopefully reorientate the city towards the river, providing an abundance of residential, cultural, commercial, and experiential resources to the city’s citizens. The plans, which Limerick Chamber will closely follow, include a new footbridge across the River Shannon, as well as the development of the riverside areas in front of key sites such as the UL city centre campus and the Cleeves site. The details range from small but impactful changes, such as the permanent lighting of the riverwalk, all the way to the full-scale redevelopment of the iconic 10-acre site at Cleeves. Limerick Twenty Thirty is at the helm of this development, which is at the final stages of the master planning process. “The ambition for that site is a mix of commercial, residential, public realm, visitor, and educational attractions,” said its CEO, David Conway, “We want to portray the new Limerick, the future contrasting with the past, as you look up the
“The best plan is the one that’s delivered.”
Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr. Pat Daly
Shannon at King John’s Castle.” The establishment of the University of Limerick city centre campus at the former Dunne Stores site will also breathe new life into the city. Initial plans indicate that the campus will eventually be home to approximately 2,000 students, a large proportion of whom are likely to be postgraduates. It is hoped that this will also assist with the retention of highly-qualified graduates in the region, encouraging them to establish strong roots in the city centre prior to embarking on their careers. City centre living will be further supported by a new ALDI store on Roches Street, which was recently granted planning permission by the LCCC. It’s estimated that approximately 100 jobs will be created during its construction, with 30 permanent retail jobs to follow. In line with Limerick Chamber’s call for sustainable, future-focused
