well what about the developments popping up in the shannonside ?

[ShaneP]

It's them alright. Just found it on their website. There's a few other images,( still trying to figure out how to insert them on this site) not that that they really explain anything - it's as vague and waffly as the accompanying shpiel. It's a huge area - wonder what it all means. Any other entries been published? I knew the city council had commisioned a masterplan but never heard anything about it being a competition. As for the new block beside the park - past it last weekend, can't believe that's the finished product, you'd think with all the controversy surrounding the site, they'd have made a bit of an effort. The timber cladding, I can only presumed glued on, looks like it's seen better days, although maybe it'll fall off soon to reveal something much more pleasing, sort of like a a Carl Scarpa design on speed. It's a real wasted opportunity there, although I don't think it was wrong to build on a bit of the park. It would probably be best to sell off the big wedge shaped piece of land at the Wolfe Tone St. side along with the other bit of left over space near the station and complete the Georgian Square plan that was originally intended by Mr. Pery and others in the 1830's.

[dave123]

Yeah there is a lot of plans and images of new developments on Limerick on that site.
thats interesting wherabouts is wolfe tone street , is does bring me awareness to notice that the georgian Perry layout ,literally stops near the People's park and Colbert station,

Ok see if i can help you,

You need a host to send images onto this site as follows
http://www.photobucket.com
save and copy picture to the site from your computer or website as desired
then click and retrieve image from photobucket to by going to URL on bottom right on the site (generate IMG code) and then copy the attachment and paste to the thread below on this site (in the go advanced button)
press preview to be sure its on the screen.
here is an example.... Rheobogue Student Apartements and the Clarion hotel

<img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/tommie1/380d_a.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">


[align=center]
<img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/tommie1/50d_b.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

This is very small oh well Idon't always get it right...


[align=center]
<img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/tommie1/clarionhotel.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">




or you can just post attachements s from your saved images on your computer or elsewhere go to the advanced button below reply , in the advanced menu , you will see - ,manage attachements copy and then press upload and will come up right away.

[dave123]

The city of Limerick and its immediate environs are at a critical stage in their economic development, according to Mr. Tim O'Malley, T.D., and Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children. In a
meeting with Business Limerick last week, Mr.O'Malley expressed his fears that downright bad management and a poor planning strategy could lead to the degeneration of the physical and cultural environment of the

From the business Limerick magazine.



city and represent a waste of the opportunities supplied by the current favourable economic climate.

This, according to Mr. O'Malley is a worstcase scenario, and he intends not to let it happen by making strong proposals at local and national level in order to restore the city to the right path. The Dooradoyle-based PD's proposals include the amalgamation of the city and county councils to provide a single
super-authority to govern and promote both city and county; the halting of the current one-off, ad hoc developments in the city and its environs in favour of a clear coherent plan designed to enhance the status of
Limerick City as the Mid-West's cultural and economic hub; the rapid development of a rail link between Limerick and Shannon and the creation of the graduate medical school at the University of Limerick. Tim O'Malley identifies these issues as the 'breakthrough' points that would move Limerick's profile to the centre of the national stage. One recent development – of which everyone in the Limerick business community is now aware - is Shannon International Airport's recent of Ryanair hub status.
This has, of course, been made possible by the break up of Aer Rianta into three separate authorities representing the three major international airports - Dublin, Cork and Shannon -and allowing each to compete individually for business with the carriers. It is quickly pointed out by O'Malley that this policy had its origins in a policy proposal made by his cousin, and PD founder, Des O'Malley, eight or nine years ago in Limerick's Glentworth Hotel. 'The figures speak from themselves: overall passenger growth for the first five months
of this year has been 10 per cent for the three airports combined, but the breakdown of the figures is even more interesting from a local perspective - Dublin is up by 6.9 per cent, Cork by 14.3 per cent but Shannon has risen by 30%! The figure for May alone, when many of the new Ryanair routes became operational, is 42 per cent.' The minister argues, however, against the local business community and others seeing this as an opportunity for back slapping or resting on laurels. 'On the contrary, this huge increase in traffic represents a challenge and magnificent commercial opportunity for the region. The business community must be alive to the possibilities offered by the gain in the traffic to the region and I'm confident in the ability of Limerick and Shannon commercial concerns to grasp the opportunity. My worries would lie in other direction.'



This is a reference to O'Malley's doubts about the ability of Limerick City Council to support their local economy by 'raising their game' in terms of planning and strategy. 'I don't doubt the ability of local businesses to accept the challenge that the massive throughput at Shannon represents, but they have to be supported in this by proper planning at council level, and it is my opinion that we may require massive restructuring in the management of the city and county.' O'Malley, himself, was a businessman for thirty years before entering politics full time and he conveys the impression that he knows what he's talking about. ' I will always support Limerick business- there are too many local politicians who just see our commercial sector as men and women to be squeezed at every opportunity.' In one way, the always-welcome appearance of more tourists and business travellers to the region provides a very good chance of seeing ourselves - and our services - as others see perceive them. O'Malley expressed himself happy with the level of tourists coming to Shannon airport and enjoying local attractions like Clare's west coast, the Burren and the abundant golfing and angling opportunities in the area. When it comes, however, to the city, he believes that there is 'absolutely massive' room for improvement
'There should be a more coherent and creative strategy
for the marketing of the city's attractions and that must involve the coming together of all the stakeholders. For example, the area from King John's Castle running down past St. Mary's Cathedral towards the Courthouse to the Hunt Museum must be developed as a single location for tourists coming to the city. These are attractions of significant historical interest and a chance to walk around them with a famous river so close should be a very pleasant experience. But that possibility is not, in my own opinion, being marketed very clearly and there is a great deal of very practical and 'hands-on' work to be done towards cleaning up the area and making attractive and accessible the facilities'. In this regard, he complimented the Civic Trust for their restoration and maintenance of the Bishop's alace and other buildings of historical interest and explicitly draws what he claims is a stark contrast between their efforts and the City Council, who, he feels, should be playing a much bigger
role. 'It is an absolute shame that the stop for tourist buses on the road adjacent to one of the country's best example of a medieval castle is located beside a municipally owned derelict site Effectively, the first thing that tourists on a visit to the area see is a pile of rubble and weeds.

That site and other derelict buildings in the Nicholas Street area must be addressed. In addition, the traffic flow in the area needs to be changed. The new traffic arrangements are extremely poor.' One gets the impression from O'Malley that he feels that these flaws are only indicative of a wider malaise in the city management. Another case in point, alluded to by the Minister for State, is the recent debacle involving the Main Drainage Scheme, with some observers claiming that the settlement of the case could involve the council
paying up to €50 m in damages to Uniform Construction. In the context of a possible appeal to the High Court, O'Malley was reluctant to comment on the political implications of such a high settlement against the City Council.

He did, however, point out the city coffers' precarious position irrespective of Uniform payout, and mused that this could lead to a bad situation getting even worse. 'The problems would be compounded by a cash-strapped authority simply continuing to sell sites to developers willy-nilly, while long term planning and the establishment of a coherent template for the future development
of the city are ignored. The recent development on a section of the People's Park serves as an example of what I would like to see avoided. Indeed, it serves as a reminder that the last time anyone had a
coherent vision of how Limerick might operate as a civic and commercial centre was in the time of the man on the park's column. What would Mr. Pery think now, one wonders? This is something that many Limerick residents and much of the city's business community have been worried about for some time.

There is a short term nature to much of the development in the city that sees developers making gains and investors availing of section 23 and other tax breaks, and then moving on without regard for the future. ' That's a tactic I am completely out of sympathy with - one need only look at the Savoy building being torn down again after only fifteen years or so. The area around Steamboat Quay and Mount Kennet has seen development without any regard to the provision of facilities for the residents or their children. Recent claims in the Limerick Post and elsewhere that we may be witnessing the development of our first 21st century inner city ghetto are not entirely without foundation.' Asked to elaborate, O'Malley lays the blame squarely on bad city management, even if he does champion some of the new developments, such as the new flagship evelopment, 'Riverpoint', standing at the Shannon Bridge entrance to the city.
What solutions, then, does he advocate for the reversal of current negative planning trends? The biggest problem, according to O'Malley, is that the councils - City and County - do not work well together, and the best solution would be to amalgamate them to form a single authority governing both city and county. 'As long as the two administrative districts are competing for business, current trends will continue. Recent development of retail and other facilities on the city's periphery are threatening to suffocate the city centre.

Boundary extensions would only tinker with the problem, what is needed is a complete strategic re-think.' What plans should this new authority pursue to put the local region back on track? 'The priority must be the regeneration of the city centre with increased pedestrianisation and vastly improved cultural, social and shopping facilities in the city centre. A vital facet of this new direction will be a focus on
the appearance of the city – the city centre looks tired and shabby. In that regard, plans to redevelop the docklands as a business area should be abandoned.

The docklands should be developed as a residential and recreational area with proper leisure facilities, walks and cycle lanes and so forth. Business and retail development should be concentrated instead in the city centre', said Mr O'Malley.In addition to this the Minister for State said that the council should discontinue the practice of selling off sites within the city centre for short-term financial gain. In this regard, he claimed that he would ppose any attempt to sell off the Arthur's Quay Park site for development.
This, the minister of state claims, should remain as a park in the city's hands. Business Limerick agrees, but we would be of the opinion that such a prime site beside the tourist office should undergo a massive overhaul and that should proceed n tandem with the reopening and upgrading of the retail units behind Roches Stores. Currently, O'Malley is giving a great deal of his attention to the proposed railway link from Limerick to Shannon and the opening of a graduate medical school on a new site at the UL campus. 'Feasibility studies are currently bei ng carried out on the railway and I intend to use my position to push for both of these initiatives for Limerick. I'll need support and I'll be looking for Limerick's business community to row in behind me. We can't afford to adapt a wait and see approach - the future of the city is clearly at stake.'

[ShaneP]

This is another image of the docks masterplan.

[ShaneP]

It worked, thanks for your help dave123.

[Tuborg]

Cant really make up my mind about the edward street apartments,they do look a bit cheap and tacky to be honest, you really would have thought that given its sensitive location beside the people's park that a more appropriate and tasteful design could have found!, unfortunately this just looks like any other apartment block that has sprang up in the city over the last 10 years or so and as a few posters have alluded to: these kind of developments arent always the best option, i think the city council are too taken with trying to bring people back living in the city centre especially after the disasterous failure of the livivg over the shop scheme, i must say im not a fan of this timber cladding either!. I see the pedestrianisation works on bedford row are to get underway on tuesday morning, i think they are sheduled to take around 10 months to complete, it involves the construction of a high quality aestethically pleasing paved surface, the installation of street furniture and new lighting, mature trees are to be planted and all cables and services are to be placed underground, they will also be a number of information kiosks.Its not clear how the development works on the savoy site will impact on the project however it will surely cause some delay, work is also due to start on the old central theatre shortly!

Limerick race company ltd has applied to raise the ground level on a portion of the old racecourse on the dock road/south circular rd in preparation for the large development that is planned for the site,this includes a large shopping complex,ofices park, industrial units, 1,000 residential units and a large number of sporting facilities and general public amenities. An application has also been submitted with regard to the hotel development at punches cross which includes a leisure centre and bar & restaurant,its not clear yet if the original public house is being retained as part of the development. A new building is also planned to replace the henry cecil that collapsed during the demolition of the carlton cinema,this was a real pity, im amazed no investigation was carried out or anybody brought to book over it, lets hope they replace it with something tasteful!..

BTW does anyone have any images of the royal george development?.

[dave123]

Thanks Turborg for the information, that sounds like an exciting development at the racecourse! hope to get more info on that soon!

There was a festival on at Bedford row of the weekend to celebrate the pedstrianisation.
For once i can see a lot of positive changes to the city centre going to happen and bring revitialisation as soon as the innercity street paving and trees etc are in.!
This is a major step forward to the city,
about time....


I'll try get info on that too (Royal George)

[dave123]

I just came accross this, its a bit outdated though, i was surprised about the rumour of Mark and spencers might be moving in there ,as they have been wanting to have a store in Limerick for a long time , but no sign of them coming?

By Neil Callanan

Developer Aidan Brooks has paid about €13 million for the Royal George Hotel on O'Connell Street in Limerick.

The hotel, which was founded in 1820, is expected to be demolished soon to make way for a department store with a new hotel on the upper floors.

Despite speculation that Marks & Spencer has signed adeal toopen at the new store, The Sunday Business Post understands that no deal has yet been signed and that a number of retailers including Zara and Debenhams have shown an interest in the scheme.

The three-star hotel has 52 en suite bedrooms and Brooks is understood to have bought the building in an offmarket deal.

The 33-year-old local has already started a €50 million development at the former Carlton Cinema site at the rear of the hotel.

The 13,935 square metre mixed use scheme will house the Limerick offices of Bank of Scotland upon its comple

tion later this year and will also include nine retail units and about 70 apartments.

The development on the Royal George site is expected to integrate with the rest of the site, giving the development frontage to O'Connell Street, Cecil Street, Shannon Street and Henry Street. Hamilton Osborne King is the letting agent for both developments.

[Tuborg]

A few weeks ago i mentioned that a large shopping complex was being planned for the city centre, a number of retailers on patrick street (opposite aurthurs quay) had closed their doors in recent weeks and more are to follow in the coming days and weeks!. Well the plans are to be made public very soon, the mayor of limerick speaking on local radio said he would be in a position to make an annoucement in the very near future, and according to the local press a high profile meeting between the city council and a belfast development company was due to take place today (thurs 4th aug). It seems the development is even larger than first thought and encompasses a large part of the city centre including patrick street, rutland st, michael street,ellen st,cornmarket row and bank place, the developers have already bought up large tracts of land and the preplanning work has been finalised, there is rumours that shannon developments offices in the granary are to be bought up, but i find this hard to believe as the granary is a protected structure and millions was spent refurbishing it in the 80s. This plan (providing it gets approval) would be a huge boost for the city centre, not only would a scheme of this magnitude have a huge effect on the commercial rates(currently the highest in the country), it would also fit in nicely to the planned pedestrianisation and upgrade of the city centre, especially o connell street, most importantly it would be a fly in the ointment of all the existing retail parks & shopping complexes in the suburbs and those that are under construction or planned.The complex itself is the biggest ever planned for limerick and will easily be the biggest in munster, i suppose what is refreshing about this one is that it is not planned for some large field in the suburbs, it is right in the centre of the city and will breathe new life back into the heart of the city, an area that has been neglected for far too long, lets hope the plans for o connell st will restore it to its former glory!, if only we could put right the architectural mistakes of the 60s & 70s!.

The area bounded by this development has seen a large amount of steady development since the early 90s with a large number of new pubs, nightclubs and shop units opening up, now it seems the area is about to change beyond recognition!..

[dave123]

wow thats great news for the city centre

[Tuborg]

Limerick Post 6th August 2005

Huge development planned


A HIGH profile meeting between a Belfast development company and management of Limerick City Council took place in City Hall on Thursday, to pave the way for what will be the largest commercial and retail development in Limerick to-date.

Planning officials in City Hall would not comment to the Limerick Post on Thursday’s pre-planning meeting and stressed that as no formal planning application has yet been submitted, they can not at this particular time supply details of the development that is expected to incorporate Ellen Street, Michael Street, Bank Place, Rutland Street and Patrick Street.

Speaking to the Limerick Post however, Defence Minister, Willie O’Dea said that what is planned is "a huge retail complex that will be the biggest in Munster and will, when completed, employ over 1,000 people”.

"The development company has bought up a rake of property already including Shannon Development’s accommodation in the Granary. It will bring a whole new impetus to the city centre and will dovetail very well with the planned restoration of O’Connell Street. This development which is as inevitable as next Christmas has huge potential for the city,” he said.

While a number of traders who will be potentially affected by the development declined to comment "at this stage”, several have already closed their premises with the closure of others pending soon.

Also reluctant to comment was leading city auctioneer, Pat Kearney, who is believed to be involved in the transaction.

"I can’t discuss this at this time. A lot will depend on what the Council will countenance,” was all he was prepared to say.

Admitting that he is "not au fait” with details of the development, Mayor Diarmuid Scully said that in tandem with the proposed major docklands project and the restoration of O’Connell Street, Bedford Row, William Street and Thomas Street, the city centre would become a powerful magnet for business.

"People will come into the city for high level , high quality goods - they can go to the suburban shopping centres for white goods etc but we must keep the commercial rate down and get the parking issue sorted out, but certainly this complete development hinging around Ellen Street, Rutland Street etc is wonderfully positive for the city,” he said.

A spokesperson for the planning department said that when the preplanning process is completed, a planning application will be submitted to City Council, followed by a presentation of the proposed development to the elected members.

[jimg]

The description of the development frightens me; it sounds like the development would involve a massive amount of demolition of historic building stock. The Georgian terrace on Rutland Street is one of my favourites in the city and is perfect across from the Hunt Museum. Even Ellen Street and Patrick Street have some interesting buildings which would be demolished, from the sounds of it. Will we be looking wistfully at old photos like this, , in 20 years time wondering how people could have been so stupid to demolish historic buildings?

The city centre needs retail development but replacing two or three entire city blocks with a massive shopping centre doesn't seem like a great idea to me. The experience of Arthurs Quay and the Dunnes shopping centre on Liddy Street proves that it's a very bad idea to trust a single private company with the upkeep and development of entire city blocks in Limerick. The only difference is that it looks like this development would be two or three times the size of Arthurs Quay and Dunnes combined. If, after 10 or 20 years, it ends up anything like Arthurs Quay or Dunnes, it will destroy that end of the city which is currently developing well in my opinion if slowly. I don't see any way of preventing neglect like this from happening; this model of development is more suited to warehouse retail parks or out-of-town centres in my opinion.

Of course this development will be championed as the project which will save the city centre just as Arthurs Quay was so any objections in terms of conservation of historic buildings or questioning the sense in a planning policy which would allow a single company to control two or three city centre blocks will be seen as anti-development. The problem is that it is far easier for the council to rubber stamp the development and claim credit for doing something for the city centre than it would be to develop sustainable development plan for the city and spending money on improving the city centre environment for shoppers and residents. Even outside of retail, as was discussed earlier in this thread, it is already becoming apparant that just allowing developers to build as many apartments as possible in or around the centre doesn't represent good planning or development policy. It looks good for a couple of years and the cranes make it look like the city is developing but the flaws become apparent within years.

[ShaneP]

Sounds like its a bit too early to dismiss it completely just yet. I think most people would agree that large single use speculative developments can and do usually impact negatively on their surroundings.

However there are at least 10 listed buildings in those few blocks and the development plan maps show that the area in question is of archaelogical significance. I would imagine that would prevent the wholesale demolition of the entire area. (even if all the other relevant issues are overlooked) The granary is a great building, one of those ones that made me want to do study architecture, and the Ormstons building on the corner of Ellen St. is another gem among others. I think Arthur's Quay and the Dunnes Stores on Sarsfield St certainly set a bad precedent, but on balance, the new Dunnes Stores on Henry St. and the apartments facing the river constitute one the few decent developments in the city in recent years.

The area around Patrrick St has great potential especially, the Cahill May Roberts building and the shed looking structures at the corner of Michael St. There's a real opportunity to create successful public space in the area and there's a need for shopping to be part of it. The junction of Rutland St/ Charlotte Quay is the natural centre of the city - where English Town, Irish Town and Newtown Perry meet along with the Shannon and Abbey Rivers. There's a great mix of buildings and uses in the area, the city hall, St. Marys cathedral, Hunt Museum, Potato Market, the Art College, The Granary as well as plenty of bars, restaurants and offices and the marina too. At present though, the area seems a bit overlooked by most people visiting the city centre, the focal point being at O'Connell St./ William St. - not exactly the most inspiring image to greet anyone, be they native or visitor. On the other hand, wouldn't be great to sail down from Kilaloe passing by the wilderness along the Shannon and Park canal to be suddenly in the middle of a busy city centre, I can just see the 2010 Limerick all Ireland hurling champions pulling up in their boat to be greeted by cheering thousands along the river, confetti streaming from the rooftops, fire works over the Shannon and all the rest of it.

I guess what i'm getting at is that; for any public space to function succesfully, there needs to be a sufficient concentration of people and activities in the area to support it, among other factors .That is why Arthur's Quay Park does not work at present and why new shops (especially a large department store) in the area around the Granary could be good for the area and the city as a whole. A new development perhaps incorpoating a hotel and apartments ( they aren't all bad) , senstive to its context could be a very exciting project a the end of the day.

Hopefully we won't be greeted some day with Willie O'dea rambling on to some property page editor about Dundrum style atriums (ugh) and 20000 car parking spaces etc. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[dave123]

<img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/tommie1/Cannocks_and_McBrineys.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

Jimg , i just copied ur attachement and i couldn't wait to make it more known!
its a real awesome building, compared to now

[dave123]

I thought the city council were dealing and negoitating with the Roches Liddy st units and the Dunnes stores site on Sarsfields street,

These sites are so fecking valuable and prominent retail areas of the city, I cannot understand why there left in such terrible state

on a positive note there has been at least 3 buildings on Williams street sold and a number under offer so hopefully these buildings will be refurbished and invested to some standard as there are many fantastic buildings down that street that are in real tatters , if I must say.






these are just a few buildings on the street .

[ShaneP]

Found this image, courtesy of the good people at Newenham Mulligan - cant actually make out what part of Roches Stores it relates to, seeing as there's a truck emerging from the corner entrance, must be a the rear of the building. Don't know that the design is of any great architectural merit, but it would certainly improve the curent state of the place. I think the proposal has been put on the long finger, but with Brown Thomas getting their act together and a number of other decent clothes shops after opening in town recently, maybe that will be enough to give Roches a nudge in the right direction.

[ShaneP]

I think the new Roches facade ( from the 1940's ) is probably an improvement on what went before - half arsed spanish looking classical motif is just not very Limerick, or maybe it is! Real shame what happened to the old Cannocks shop - think the appearance of the clock changed a few times over the course of its existance, if anyone has different pictures? It's certainly different to the one that I remember from the early 80's prior to it taking on its present hideous form. Also read an article somewhere recently in which the bit of left over road in front of penny's was described by one of our erstwhile council officials as an ammenity area ( sorry no pictures of it at present, although the state of the place would probably shatter the lens) Bring on the Shunnel and pedestrianisation!

[dave123]

Thanks Shane,
where did you get that , its a very interesting building , quite unusual to anything In limerick ? well its a thumbs up for me if it goes ahead.

by the way Tait building got the property of the week bt Sherryfitz
the building is also ready for occupation.

[dave123]

hey, just wanted to post a pic of the Edward street dev.
as i said i'll try get some of it..
not a great pic though, but its the only one i can seemingly find or post

<img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/tommie1/380m_a.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

[ShaneP]

Have to say, Baker PLace is a great success, a really nice surprise to greet anyone going from the station downtown. The addition of those apartments and shops will work well with the existing church and hotel etc. The new landscaping is seemingly a sampler for the whole pedestrianisation project, and although it might not be the most progressive looking fantastic super dutch design that'll be splashed over the covers of every trendy design magazine, it's very much suited to its context. Tree planting and public benches seem to have lost favour with local authorities thruoughout the land, but it's great to see the trend being reversed here. Have some decent images and maps, but scanner is down at present so will get them on line asap. Any more photos of William St? There's so many fine old shops and department store buildings there, it's a shame to see it in such a shabby state now, it's hard to see it changing any time soon though, with all the traffic congestion etc.

[ShaneP]

As for the Edward St. apartments - got a few questions about that image - where did it come from? It appears somebody was fairly creative on the auld photoshop or else it's an entirely different project to the one that has just been completed there. The apartments that have just been built, face directly onto Carey's Rd (overlooking the Junction with Lord Edward St.) and so the houses in the background should not be visible in the image or else would be to the right of the apartments as viewed from the park!

[dave123]

As for the pile of "poo in the Park" got a few questions about that image - where did it come from? It appears somebody was fairly creative on the auld photoshop or else it's an entirely different project to the one that has just been completed there. The apartments that have just been built, face directly onto Carey's Rd (overlooking the Junction with Lord Edward St.) and so the houses in the background should not be visible in the image or else would be to the right of the apartments as viewed from the park!

poo in the park - i don]www.Murrayolaire.com[/url] , there is two pics of it, there were the ones i tried to post, but as you can see you can't see it lol oh well i try looking elsewhere

I'll have to visit town soon, as i have'nt been there in a while , to see for myself whats bold and new and ugly

[ShaneP]

As far as I know the properties on Liddy St all belong to Roches, so it's entirely up to them what happens there. IS there any plans for the Dunnes stores site? All that's been mentioned in the local press is that the remaining traders in the area are having a pretty diifficult time keeping the doors open. I tihnk there may have been some talk, a few years ago about relocating the Belltable down there, which sounds like a great idea -think a few Bolton St. architecture thesis explored the issue too, might see if there's any possibilty of getting them on line.

[dave123]

last comment for the day , has anyone got pictures of the the revamped Royal George hotel?
your right about that Shane, and the council have been talking with Roches stores to use the units, but no sign of anything happening soon. what a pity!

Over the next few days I'll try get some stuff on the Park canal project.

[ShaneP]

Ta - although i'm still perplexed, it just doesn't make any sense on a number of levels, still dont know if it's the same project - surely Murray O'laoire couldn't be responsible, what with having designed so many other great projects, tourist office, shannon airport, and the box in King john's caslte etc. Shocking altogether - and it seems they did the new one at the top of William St. too. What's going on?