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An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick Appendices

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<strong>Limerick</strong> 2030 <strong>An</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Spatial</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong><br />

There are few buildings of distinction along the Waterfront – the contemporary buildings are<br />

lacking in quality which has detracted from the overall potential, but there is enough quality in the<br />

setting to compensate. King John’s Castle to the North provides a strong northern anchor, whilst<br />

the Clarion Hotel at Steamboat Quay anchors the Waterfront to the South.<br />

At key points there are under developed sites which present redevelopment potential – in<br />

particular the Garda Station at Bishops Quay. <strong>An</strong> appropriate building is required to lift the<br />

architectural quality. The transport system that diverts traffic onto Henry Street (one way) creates<br />

a significant barrier to the Riverside – this must be addressed. In addition Bishops Quay, Howley’s<br />

Quay <strong>and</strong> Harvey’s Quay carry traffic that could be accommodated on other streets. The overall<br />

ambience <strong>for</strong> the pedestrian does not do the Waterfront full justice – the area needs to be<br />

softened <strong>and</strong> made more appealing to people on foot.<br />

Finally, there is a need to introduce more active ground floor uses, encouraging pavement<br />

activity. These can serve as an attraction in their own right. Indeed this is one area of the City<br />

Centre that really could be given over totally to the pedestrian with a more active street<br />

environment – including pedestrian activity to enliven the Waterfront.<br />

Table 22: Waterfront<br />

Strengths Weaknesses<br />

High quality setting<br />

Attractive views/vistas up <strong>and</strong><br />

downstream<br />

Potential circuit across both banks<br />

around King John Castle<br />

Opportunities<br />

Redevelopment potential<br />

Green <strong>and</strong> soften the Waterfront<br />

Activate – ground floor uses /<br />

pavement activity<br />

Remove traffic<br />

Improve connections to City Centre<br />

Festivals<br />

Enhance or remove Sarsfield House<br />

Extend Waterfront promenade<br />

Poor quality, contemporary<br />

development<br />

Traffic dominance<br />

Vacant sites<br />

Limited active ground floor uses <strong>and</strong><br />

pavement activity<br />

North facing<br />

Relatively harsh environment<br />

June 2013 85

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