Re: Re: well what about the developments popping up in the shannonside ?

Spruced up canal walk will add to city’s appeal (Limerick Leader)

Limericks development as the riverside city continued this week with the opening of the first phase of the park canal restoration project.

The €1.6 million joint investment between Limerick City Council and Shannon Development has been welcomed as the first step towards making the canal a hub of local tourism once more. “Its a great honour for me personally as the canal was an important part of my childhood” said Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon, Deputy Mayor of Limerick, who led the official opening on Thursday.

“With the opening of the park canal we now have a new green lung for the city which we hope the people of Limerick will embrace. We hope that they, and the 4,000 people who work at the National Technology Park and the University of Limerick will enjoy this wonder ful new amenity in the heart of the city.”

Work under phase one involved dredging the canal and restoring the lock gates at park bridge. Special platform have been installled on the northern bank, which it is hoped will encourage fishing enthusiasts to return to the area. Street furniture and lighting have also been added in an attempt to hand the canal back to the public realm. The route is already popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists, fishermen and canoeists.

John King heritage and tourism director with Shannon Development said “we’re delighted to have been part of this project to restore this special area to its former glory. The canal will be another asset in our attempt to brand Limerick as a riverside city. By creating a link between the medieval city and the university, the canal restoration will act as a catalyst for residential, commercial and tourist developments. But most importantly, we hope this project will breathe new life into the park canal for future generations.”

A total of €1.2 million of the investment was grant aided by the EU, with the City Council and Shannon Development contributing a further €400,000. Limerick companies Nicholas De Jong Associates and White Young Green were involved as project consultants. The restoration of the park canal builds on the dedicated work of Limerick Civic Trust, which has been actively involved with the Canal Restoration Association since the early 1990s.

Phase 2 of the project will involve resurfacing the existing pedestrian paths along the length of the southern bank of the canal, as well as adding an improved cycling path.

Photos of the Canal and walkway from the city centre to Plassey can be found here