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Shaping Future Limerick ActionPoint-
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 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 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
Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr. Pat Daly
developments, the new site will be powered by 100% green electricity, with three free-to-use electric vehicle charging points and ample space for bicycle and car parking. The Docklands are set to undergo their own transformation, with the Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) aiming to create a new economic and employment hub through its Limerick Docklands Framework Strategy. The Framework Strategy focuses on growing the commercial port activity, developing its 30-hectare holdings on the Dock Road, which will seek to attract significant inward investment and potentially in excess of 1,000 jobs. Recent logistical challenges such as Brexit have highlighted further opportunities for the region in terms of strategic value. “In terms of volumes, about 80% of the country’s container trade is facilitated through Dublin Port”, said SFPC CEO Pat Keating. “Brexit shone a light on the weaknesses of our supply chain in that we were over-reliant on Dublin Port, which can’t expand because of its city-centre surroundings.” In contrast, the Midwest doesn’t have this problem, as large tracts of land are already designated for port use. The SFPC recently commissioned research that shows there could be significant costsaving benefits if this port imbalance was addressed through greater use of the Foynes port. “We can offer optionality, a competitive alternative to Dublin port,” Keating said, “Taking Portlaoise - Foynes - North America as an example, the time-saving is roughly 14 days, versus 28 days on the current route from Portlaoise - Dublin - Rotterdam - North America, with carbon savings of 63%.” Those direct savings provide a case for a distribution sector in the region, which he says could contribute to major new employment opportunities in the area. Further up the road from the Limerick Docks, the Limerick City Gasworks site has also undergone radical change recently. The large tract of land on the corner of the Dock Road and O’Curry Street (beside Sailors’ House) has stood largely empty since activity halted in the 1960s, but a two-year cleaning project has now been completed by Gas Networks Ireland and the site is now ready for development. It’s likely to be snapped quickly up due to its prime location next to the commercial docks, within walking distance of the city centre and minutes away from the major motorways linking Limerick with the rest of the country. Looking to infrastructure, construction has been given the goahead on the €58 million Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road project which will include a new distributor road between Coonagh Roundabout on the Ennis Road and the Knockalisheen Road in the Moyross area on the northside of the city. The dual carriageway will feature footpaths and cycleways, helping to ensure that the use of the new route is not limited to vehicles. Traffic-calming and speed-reduction measures will be implemented to ensure safety for users who will include residents of the Moyross estate. The new road will also facilitate the development of an effective public transport system to serve northwest Limerick City, contributing to a targeted reduction in the number of cars on the road. Limerick welcomed many staycationers by train this summer, who have found a colourful, attractive Colbert Station upon their arrival. The Land Development Agency (LDA) has ambitious plans for developing the surrounding 50-hectare site into a new residential neighbourhood, with additional employment, transport, and social resources. This project, in addition to others, will provide much-needed accommodation for people who would like to live as well as work in the city centre. Dr. Pat Daly of the LCCC can sense a change in the air: “In the 1950s and 60s people left the city for suburbia,” he explained, “But now people are moving back into the city, and we have to balance the needs of both areas.” The city’s stakeholders remain positive, despite the challenges and delays of the last eighteen months. “There’s a vibrancy and an urgency in Limerick,” Daly notes, “An ambition that Limerick has had for the last number of years is being realised.” He pointed out that while discussion and debate are vital to the process, it’s heartening to see the results being implemented: “The best plan is the one that’s delivered.” He painted a simple but effective image of how he sees these plans transforming Limerick. “The city centre needs to be something of a theatre for life,” he said. “If you build a stage, set the lighting and foster an attractive atmosphere, you will have the perfect setting. All of these projects are going to create the perfect theatre, with a new play every day, whether that means a few drinks at a favourite bar, a nice bite to eat, or an afternoon of shopping – whatever you choose to do, Limerick will be interesting, safe and accessible for all people.” The Limerick Chamber is proud to be a part of building this exciting new future for a city that is at the centre of our lives and our livelihoods. From commissioning crucial research to engaging in effective lobbying, the Chamber continues to work to represent members’ views and interests, making sure their voices are heard, their needs are recognised, and their vision for a flourishing, prosperous city is achieved.
