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

REVEALED: DOCKLAND DREAM OF THE FUTURE – By DONAL O’REGAN

FOLLOWING months of rumour the Limerick Leader can this weekend reveal the billion-euro plans for the city docks put forward by the Shannon Foynes Port Authority.
They include an “iconic building”, 1,000 new jobs and a €50 million annual boost to the local economy.
A national convention centre and a cultural centre for the arts have also been proposed by developers in the plans.
The Port Authority, which owns the 44-acre site next to Steamboat Quay, is currently at an advanced stage of considering “expressions of interest” from developers.
Brian Byrne, chief executive, says a clear picture is already beginning to emerge of a dynamic commercial centre, on a smaller scale to the IFSC in Dublin, being developed at the site.
“To lose out on this opportunity would be economical recklessness on a grand scale for city, region and county,” he declared. However, many people are totally against the plans, which they say will leave Limerick without a port and make over 200 people redundant.
Mr Byrne said that claims of 200 job losses as a result of the potential sale of the port were unfounded and that the commercial centre will drive both the city and the region’s economy.
“A common thread in the expressions of interest is the retention of a strong maritime theme, with berthing for boats and motor-cruisers to the front of what will by a dynamic commercial centre that will give Limerick a new
impetus,” says Mr Byrne.
The Port Company believes it has the practical solutions worked out to address the concerns of the existing port users in Limerick by planning for greatly enhanced facilities down-river to be brought on at the same time as
any reduction in capacity occurs at Limerick docks.
But the Limerick Port Users Group also have their own plans for the docklands, announced this Thursday.
As well as keeping the port open their plans include a maritime museum, a port park, a clock tower, a marine services park, a business park and a
business innovation centre. They say that business is up 20 per cent on last year and with the planned tunnel, they expect further increases in the years
to come.
Mr Byrne said he empathised with what he termed the emotional arguments being presented by opponents to the redevelopment on the grounds that Limerick has a long tradition of port activity.
“However, due to the ever increasing size of vessels and restricted access, Limerick Port is simply no longer competitive in a national context,” said Mr Byrne.

25 August 2006