An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick Appendices

Limerick 2030 An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick
environment and sustainable forms of energy across the areas of electrochemistry, physics,
electronic, mechanical and aeronautical engineering, computer science, maths & statistics.
Future Growth
Limerick has potential to exploit new technologies that are rising out of the low carbon energy
movement. Sustainable Energy Ireland’s report “Tidal and Current Energy Resources in Ireland” states
that the majority of Ireland’s tidal power potential lies on the west coast of Ireland, with the most
potential concentrated in the Shannon Estuary. Estimates indicate an economic return of a mere 8%
for a 20 year tidal energy project that would provide 2% of future predicted needs. However, with
further technological advancements, tidal energy may yet prove to be a crucial component of
Ireland's renewable generation portfolio in the future due to its high predictability of peak and trough
generation.
ResourceKraft, based in UL, were established in 2007 and have developed their own technology
driven solution provider, ResourceKraftAdvisor. The company is a world leader in energy
management and energy cost control software. In April 2010 the Bank of Ireland Seed and Early
Equity Fund along with Enterprise Ireland provided an investment of €600,000 to the company to
support the recruitment of skilled staff and to expand market coverage beyond Ireland and the UK.
This offers a clear example of the type of business that can drive the low carbon sector of the
economy in Limerick.
Conclusion
Globally the low Carbon Energy Industry will continue to experience strong growth and as a result of
its natural assets and strong research capabilities at UL, Limerick has real potential in this sector. The
priority will be to provide the appropriate finance and market conditions that will allow the
technology with the greatest potential to succeed. This may be best pursued at the Mid-West
regional level rather than just in Limerick.
Logistics and Distribution
Industry Trends
The logistics sector has an impact on everything we do and rely on, but the industry has come under
significant pressure during the recent recession. With margins being squeezed as a result of weak
business volumes and higher input costs, many businesses have looked for ways to reduce costs.
Adding to the industry’s challenges has been the volatility of fuel prices and the overall trend of a
rising fuel price.
With margins as tight as they have ever been, innovation is seen as one source of increasing profits.
Continuing consolidation and collaboration are likely to be key for the sector with economies of
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