An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick Appendices

Limerick 2030 An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick
The 18 th Century in Ireland was a period of considerable stability and economic growth which was
replicated in Limerick. The City benefited from strong and stable markets in Europe and North
America as it became the marketing centre for the rich agricultural counties of Limerick and
Tipperary and as a consequence of its successful port which allowed access to international
markets.
It was at this point that Edmund Sexton Pery had such a significant impact upon the City. Pery was
responsible for significant expansion of the City through the creation of Newtown Pery to the west
and south of Irish Town. Owning land immediately beyond the City walls Pery obtained the right to
pursue large scale building outside the City walls which began to be demolished from 1760 onwards.
In keeping with Georgian style urban planning Pery put in place a grid style plan for Newtown Pery
which was partially implemented between 1769 and the 1850’s. By 1874 the plan had been set aside
when the idea of a major Georgian Square at Pery Square was finally abandoned.
From 1854 the Irish famine ended the most significant period in the City’s growth.
The 20 th Century has seen a gradual erosion of this character through large scale shopping and
office development, changes of use and the general decline of the Georgian legacy as residents
have left the City Centre and the impact of suburban shopping and residential development has
been felt.
There are few recent 21 st Century developments of significant architectural merit in the City Centre
and indeed many have significantly detracted from other characters of the City Centre. This
presents an added challenge to the City in the longer term.
Urban Structure
Limerick has the potential to be a great European City. Its most outstanding asset is the quality of its
stunning waterfront location and its remaining Medieval and Georgian street and block structure
built heritage.
As a consequence of its 18 th and 19 th Century expansion the City is blessed with many outstanding
samples of Georgian domestic and civic architecture and town planning. Combined with the City’s
special waterfront setting this makes for a City of special character.
Indeed the urban morphology of an urban grid adjoining a more organic and chaotic Medieval
street structure with a strong waterfront setting is practically unique. This uniqueness is not fully
appreciated, nor taken full advantage of.
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