An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick Appendices

Limerick 2030 An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick
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knowledge economy. Together these represent a powerful chapter of the ‘new Limerick’ story,
especially for potential employers and investors in the knowledge economy.
Green and Sustainable; Low carbon development is an important part of our new economic plan
and we intend to rapidly exploit the fact that we are ‘well placed’ to grow this aspect of the
economy as a mainstay for enterprise and entrepreneurship. However, our green credentials and
ambitions do not stop there. The City is surrounded by lush countryside and has many important
green spaces within it. We are keen to bring the countryside into the City and will be ambitious in
pursuing plans to achieve this. Whilst sustainability is now a critical strategy for all cities, Limerick
will be working extra hard to ensure that it exploits its credentials in this for the benefit of the
economy and the quality of life for residents.
Attractive and Historic; Limerick’s history, rooted in the Vikings and the Walled City on Kings Island,
its role in the defiance against the English and through its partial gentrification in Georgian times
provide the City with a rich physical tapestry that is still very much part of the City’s offer. King
John’s Castle, the River Shannon and Kings Island are still dominant features of the City’s visitor
offer and the Georgian neighbourhoods still very much part of the City Centre landscape.
However, it is important that Limerick now builds on that history and maximises its attractive
waterscape setting; the riverside needs to be brought back into every day use for residents and
visitors alike by the City turning itself around to face the River again. And the historic core of the
Georgian Quarter must be treasured and transformed to make it a viable and useful asset for a
21 st Century City.
Creative and Vibrant; Limerick has an astonishing number of cultural, sporting, artistic and musical
assets, events and venues. From the world famous Munster, playing at Thomond Park, to the
international EVA Festival to more local celebrations of culture such as the Pig and Porter, the City
and surrounding area seem to have something to celebrate almost every day of the year! But
there is desire to build on the festivals and events across Limerick with better linked and promoted
activity. A major beneficiary of such an approach will be our City Centre as we seek to develop it
as a ‘destination experience’ not just a shopping centre. We see it as important to add life, fun,
colour and animation, making it Ireland’s ‘urban playground’. This will encourage people to visit
the City for special events and promote more use of our other cultural assets such as the Hunt
Museum and the City Gallery of Art.
This is a Limerick that is more confident and looking to its future. It is a place that is proud of its
illustrious past, yet with the chance to make use of that legacy to create an exciting tomorrow. It
is a City Region that is going to celebrate its many special things yet is determined to look
outwards as it makes its way. We’re aspiring to be the best. All places have their time and this is
ours.
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