well what about the developments popping up in the shannonside ?
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Griff.
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- July 17, 2008 at 12:42 am #755118
Tuborg
Participant@Briain wrote:
That is what’s happening with Murray O’Laoire’s plan for the redevelopment of Kings Island isn’t it?
That plan was part of the Governments RAPID strategy launched 7 or 8 years ago, Murray O’Laoire were brought in to undertake a review of the Kings Island area and draw up a draft masterlan as to how the area could be improved. Kings Island has now been included in the Northside Regeneration strategy. Both the Northside and Southside masterplans were scheduled to be completed last month but we are still awaiting their publication.
We’ve all heard that the City Council supposedly favours clearing the whole Island field and developing a new riverside quarter comprising high quality residential, commercial and leisure facilities. It all sounds great in theory but ultimately we will have to wait and see what the regeneration agency proposes. What is clear though is that this part of Kings Island really deserves a more appropriate use than a 1940s council housing estate.
July 17, 2008 at 11:26 pm #755119Tuborg
ParticipantWith the closure of Dunnes Stores on O Connell Street, its probably a good time to examine the future prospects of this city centre block which Limerick City Council have identifid as a “critical development opportunitiy” in their City Centre Strategy document.
Bank of Ireland are awaiting planning permission for a refurbishment of their building which involves the replacement of the existing facades and new signage. Next door the Dunnes outlet comprises 2 shabby, dilapidated buildings of very poor visual quality. At the Sarsfield Street junction stands O Sullivans pharmacy, a heavily modified 3 storey 19th century commercial building of little or no architectural merit. The only structure of any architectural interest here is the Art Deco style ACC bank dating from 1940. Incidentally ACC bank will soon be re-locating to their new headquarters on Henry Street leaving another void on this stretch of O Connell Street.

Realistically this block which is essentially the very heart of the city is in dire need of redevelopment. On the whole it consists of worthless, tired buildings of very poor quality that are unable to provide the floorspace that is required to entice big name retailers into this prime location. I know that wholesale redevelopment like this can be dangerous and that high quality design is crucial but realistically are there any other options available? Anyone got any thoughts on this?
Image from vivido
July 18, 2008 at 12:32 am #755120Briain
Participant@Tuborg wrote:
That plan was part of the Governments RAPID strategy launched 7 or 8 years ago, Murray O’Laoire were brought in to undertake a review of the Kings Island area and draw up a draft masterlan as to how the area could be improved. Kings Island has now been included in the Northside Regeneration strategy. Both the Northside and Southside masterplans were scheduled to be completed last month but we are still awaiting their publication.
We’ve all heard that the City Council supposedly favours clearing the whole Island field and developing a new riverside quarter comprising high quality residential, commercial and leisure facilities. It all sounds great in theory but ultimately we will have to wait and see what the regeneration agency proposes. What is clear though is that this part of Kings Island really deserves a more appropriate use than a 1940s council housing estate.
Well what about the presentation that happened in UL back in April/May? There Hugh Murray presented the plan for the regeneration of Kings Island, along with the other regeneration agencies discussing where they were heading and how they were doing it. MOL’s plan seemed to be fairly far along, canals introduced into the island, a medieval quarter preserved and the location of a public park & sports facilities at the other end of the island to attract people through it. Obviously a mix of social/private housing also.
I would have thought some of the contributors here would have attended the meeting back then?
July 18, 2008 at 6:42 pm #755121Goofy
Participant@Tuborg wrote:
With the closure of Dunnes Stores on O Connell Street, its probably a good time to examine the future prospects of this city centre block which Limerick City Council have identifid as a “critical development opportunitiy” in their City Centre Strategy document.
Bank of Ireland are awaiting planning permission for a refurbishment of their building which involves the replacement of the existing facades and new signage. Next door the Dunnes outlet comprises 2 shabby, dilapidated buildings of very poor visual quality. At the Sarsfield Street junction stands O Sullivans pharmacy, a heavily modified 3 storey 19th century commercial building of little or no architectural merit. The only structure of any architectural interest here is the Art Deco style ACC bank dating from 1940. Incidentally ACC bank will soon be re-locating to their new headquarters on Henry Street leaving another void on this stretch of O Connell Street.
Realistically this block which is essentially the very heart of the city is in dire need of redevelopment. On the whole it consists of worthless, tired buildings of very poor quality that are unable to provide the floorspace that is required to entice big name retailers into this prime location. I know that wholesale redevelopment like this can be dangerous and that high quality design is crucial but realistically are there any other options available? Anyone got any thoughts on this?
Fordmount have a sign up on the Nevada Smyths building, which is on the Henry Street side of this block. It says “Acquired for Development”, so they obviously have designs for this area. I doubt they could extend to the opposite corner of the block though.
July 19, 2008 at 3:43 pm #755122Anonymous
Inactive@Goofy wrote:
Fordmount have a sign up on the Nevada Smyths building, which is on the Henry Street side of this block. It says “Acquired for Development”, so they obviously have designs for this area. I doubt they could extend to the opposite corner of the block though.
I have seen this Fordmount sign too. It would be interesting if they could acquire the neighbouring building along side the former Methodist Church (Grand Central Cinema) and finish off Bedford Row as a high quality retail / pedestrian street.
July 21, 2008 at 1:12 am #755123Tuborg
Participant@Briain wrote:
Well what about the presentation that happened in UL back in April/May? There Hugh Murray presented the plan for the regeneration of Kings Island, along with the other regeneration agencies discussing where they were heading and how they were doing it. MOL’s plan seemed to be fairly far along, canals introduced into the island, a medieval quarter preserved and the location of a public park & sports facilities at the other end of the island to attract people through it. Obviously a mix of social/private housing also.
I would have thought some of the contributors here would have attended the meeting back then?
Obviously Murray O Laoire have been retained as consultants for the Kings Island regeneration so! Perhaps their previous experience of this area was a factor in the decision? It will be interesting to see how much this new strategy differs from the original. If I remember correctly the original plan did not involve the demolition of the existing housing stock, placing the emphasis on refurbishment instead. Althought I think its generally acknowledged now that the demolition of the St Mary’s park estate is essential to the successful regeneration of the area. My only fear at this stage though is what effect will the current deterioration in the public finances have on the Limerick regeneration programmes?
July 21, 2008 at 8:46 pm #755124Anonymous
Inactive@Tuborg wrote:
I think this should be worth a look, I believe the casting basin where the tunnel elements were constructed is located on the north side of the river.
The latest information on the project is available here
Shannon tunnel set to open for the day on July 26
Further details on how to access the tunnel on July 26 and on access times for the public will be made available in the near future.
The Limerick Tunnel Public Open Day (Update)
Civil Engineers usually bury their best work, so please come along and let us show you this marvel of modern engineering before we bury it beneath the Shannon.
Tom King, General Manager, Direct Route (Limerick) Ltd.
- 26th July 2008 (10am to 4pm)
- Shannon Rugby Grounds in Coonagh (Parking)
- A bus service will operate a Pick n’ Drop Service from Shannon Rugby Grounds in Coonagh to and from the Limerick Tunnel Project Site.
- Guided Bus Tours from Shannon Rugby Grounds to the Tunnel.
.
July 21, 2008 at 8:54 pm #755125Tuborg
Participant@Goofy wrote:
Fordmount have a sign up on the Nevada Smyths building, which is on the Henry Street side of this block. It says “Acquired for Development”, so they obviously have designs for this area. I doubt they could extend to the opposite corner of the block though.
Yeah there has been talk of a new retail development on that site for a good while now, I believe Nevada Smyths shut up shop a few weeks back. Fordmount are of course also responsible for the city central development on the other side of the street, something similar is probably being planned here allbeit on a smaller scale. The current building only dates from the early 90s although it is of pretty modest scale and with the continued redevelopment of Bedford Row, it was always going to be next on the list.
There are also a number of warehouse type structures and out-buildings immediately to the rear of the property. If the developers have managed to acquire these, there is scope for a significant development stretching through to Sarsfield Street.
July 22, 2008 at 11:04 pm #755126Tuborg
ParticipantThe Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society have lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against the decision to grant permission for a tensile roof structure over the milk market courtyard.
Petition opposes Limerick Milk Market plans

By Anne Sheridan
A PETITION signed by over 100 people to maintain the Milk Market as an open-air market and save it from “becoming a shopping mall” has been submitted to An Bord Pleanala.
Planning permission was granted by Limerick City Council this June for the €2m redevelopment of the Milk Market – a protected structure – which could see the market open six days a week, include a 120-seat restaurant and covered with a weatherproofed tensile.
However, the Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society believe the “whole proposal is unwanted by traders..and is totally unnecessary.” The society also stated to An Bord Pleanala that they believe the proposed tensile roof is an “intrusive new structure” and would change the character of the market.
But Market Trustees chairman David O’Mahony previously told the Leader that their proposal aims to rejuvenate the market.
“The whole idea is to present a space that will be attractive to a multiple of micro-businesses with other changeable attractions around them. Local small business start-ups will have an opportunity to use this area as a showcase for their talent,” said Mr O’Mahony.
He said the new restaurant will provide the “financial foundation” for the revitalised Milk Market and fellow market trustee, Fine Gael Cllr Kevin Kiely also welcomed the development, describing the plans as “long overdue”.
I must say I think this is an unfortunate development. It is the intention of the market trustees to expand the milk market into a 6 day operation, currently it only operates of a Saturday morning and is used as a car park for the rest of the week. Any plan that will make the market more user friendly and popular should be welcomed. Now though a decision wont be made until November and with the way ABP have been operating lately, it’ll probably be even longer!
July 24, 2008 at 2:32 pm #755127jdivision
Participant@justnotbothered wrote:
That type of throw-away line means nothing unless you see the overall review, not that I’m hugely surprised by it.
http://www.crestireland.com/files/admin/uploads/W190_Field_7_20238.pdf
It’s here if you want to read itJuly 24, 2008 at 8:32 pm #755128Anonymous
InactiveTuborg, I would side with the Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society on keeping the Milk Market an open-air one.
- Market open six days a week – yes!
- 120-seat restaurant – yes!
- Local small business start-ups – yes!

But this weatherproofed tensile roof (white heavy duty pvc sheeting) would resemble a permanent circus tent and would kill off in my opinion another city centre open (air) space?
By the way anyone see further editions of the “Limerick City Matters Magazine†since its first issue from last August?
July 24, 2008 at 9:45 pm #755129Anonymous
Inactive@jdivision wrote:
http://www.crestireland.com/files/admin/uploads/W190_Field_7_20238.pdf
It’s here if you want to read itMore “retail” food for thought see Experian Press Office
Select Country: United Kingdom
Select Category: Retail
Select Year: 2008Click Post 17-Jun-08 (Irish flag!) 😉
EXPERIAN PUBLISHES THE 2008 RETAIL RANKINGS FOR IRELAND
IRELAND IN 2018 – THE FUTURE FACE OF IRISH RETAIL REVEALED
July 24, 2008 at 11:39 pm #755130Tuborg
Participant@CologneMike wrote:
Tuborg, I would side with the Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society on keeping the Milk Market an open-air one.
- Market open six days a week – yes!
- 120-seat restaurant – yes!
- Local small business start-ups – yes!
But this weatherproofed tensile roof (white heavy duty pvc sheeting) would resemble a permanent circus tent and would kill off in my opinion another city centre open (air) space?
By the way anyone see further editions of the “Limerick City Matters Magazine” since its first issue from last August?
Im not sure, I think much of the reasoning behind the objection is concerned with the impact of the new roof on the protected structure. In my opinion anyway, the Milk Market is a pretty modest structure both architecturally and also in terms of scale and I dont believe this proposed roof will have a serious adverse impact on it.
The only concern I would have is in relation to the durability of the tensile structure, especially in our climate. What is the average lifespan of this type of structure.
As for the City Matters magazine, the intention was to publish them quarterly but theres been no sign of any more issues since the initial launch last year.
July 25, 2008 at 12:02 am #755131Tuborg
ParticipantMeanwhile, Bank of Ireland have been granted permission for the refurbishment of their building at the corner of O Connell Street/Bedford Row. The work involves the removal of the existing facades and the construction of re-modelled facades aswell as new signage.
Unfortunately though it looks like we wont actually get to see the revamped exterior until the work is actually completed.:rolleyes:
July 25, 2008 at 8:56 pm #755132Anonymous
InactiveLimerick Riverside: Clancy Strand (Curragour Bund)
Some images of the recent completed park. It has both pedestrian and limited vehicular access (boat slipways). The entrances can be closed for high spring tides.
Walking along Clancy Strand from Thomond Bridge to Sarsfield’s Bridge is now most enjoyable except one has to cross (twice) to the other side where a short narrow section of road only permits one footpath.
Image 1: Pedestrian entrance with City Hall / St. Mary’s Cathedral in background.
Image 2: Side view with King John’s Castle in background.
Image 3: View from City Hall with Jackson’s Turret in background.
Image 4: One of the two slipways.
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July 25, 2008 at 9:02 pm #755133Anonymous
InactiveLimerick Riverside: O’Callaghan Strand (Work-in-Progress)
Work is well on the way. It seems to be in three segments. The first walled part of O’Callaghan’s from Sarsfield’s Bridge (opposite Hilton Hotel) can open shortly. The next part of the open quay as far as St. Michael’s Boat Club is been raised in height and will be railed similarly to the Curragour Bund.
The last part from St. Michael’s Boat club to Shannon Bridge badly needs a second stairway (Barrington’s Pier side) to access the bridge. I wonder is such a stairway planned?
Image 1: View of the O’Callaghan Strand walled quay (scrubbed) from Sarsfield’s Bridge.
Image 2: View of the O’Callaghan Strand open quay from Sarsfield’s Bridge.
Image 3 / 4: Wide promenade opposite Hilton.
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July 26, 2008 at 6:39 pm #755134admin
KeymasterNice photos.
Whole area looks really. I cycle there regularly.July 27, 2008 at 11:57 am #755135Anonymous
Inactive@Builderfromhell wrote:
Nice photos.
Whole area looks really. I cycle there regularly.Interestingly no cycle paths were planned for here, maybe you opt for inline skates instead and enjoy the wide promenade. 😉
Here a proposed image of O’Callaghan’s Strand.
Previous post 1086
July 28, 2008 at 11:32 pm #755136Tuborg
ParticipantYeah Clancy Strand looks really impressive now, the O Callaghan Strand project is a bit more elaborate and is due to be completed by December, looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Across the river, similar improvement works on the section from Sarsfield Bridge to Shannon Bridge are scheduled to begin in October, hopefully this revamp will add a whole new dimension to the quayside. Despite large-scale redevelopment over the last 10 years or so, levels of footfall along the quays have remained pretty low and the area is still vastly underutilised. Ideally I would like to see more cafes and restaurants opening up along the riverfront once the area is made more pedestrian friendly. At the moment Milanos and Clohesseys are the only businesses with a presence along this section although I believe 2 new restaurants are due to open shortly in the Riverpoint building.
The potential redevelopment of the boat club and ESB sites will hopefully further contribute to the creation of a more vibrant riverfront here.
Attached is the only image of the proposed works thats currently available.
July 29, 2008 at 9:47 pm #755137Tuborg
ParticipantLimerick County Council refuse plans for Crescent expansion
By Ãine Fitzgerald
PLANS for a multi-million euro expansion at the Crescent Shopping Centre to include retail giant Marks & Spencer have been refused by Limerick County Council on the grounds that it would cause “serious traffic congestion in the area”.
Separate planning applications were lodged with the Council last January for the expansion of the Dooradoyle-based shopping centre to include a Marks & Spencer retail unit, and to revise the traffic layout in the area to accommodate the anticipated rise in visitors to the centre. Both applications have been refused planning permission by the council.
Refusing planning permission for the retail development, planners at the council said it would “render the road network unsuitable to carry the increased road traffic likely to result from the proposed development”.
In relation to the plans to alter the traffic layout, planners said it would “seriously injure the amenities and depreciate the value of the properties located at the junction of St Nessan’s Road and Dooradoyle Road.”
Under the plans for the expansion of the shopping centre, nine new retail units had also been proposed, and would have been located along a new retail street between Marks & Spencer and the existing Crescent Shopping Centre.
Marks & Spencer was to occupy over 10,000 square metres and were to be located to the southeast of the site, opposite the Garryowen entrance. A seven-storey car park, over basement level, which would accommodate 881 parking spaces, was also noted in the plans.
The application was made by the Dublin-based company Stapleyside Company Ltd & Derenburg Ltd, which have overseen previous plans for expansion at the Crescent Shopping Centre.
Limerick Chronicle
I must say I didnt see this happening but I think its definitely the right decision, common sense planning for once. Im sure plenty of people will be up in arms over the loss of jobs and business etc, but we have to realise that we cant keep allowing large developments like this to go through when the necessary infrastructure just isnt there. Anyone can see that the Nessans and Dooradoyle roads are already struggling to deal with current traffic volumes and simply wont take the extra traffic that would be generated by this development. We cant just keep widening these roads either (not that the space exists anyway).
This ruling is also a good one for the city centre although thats an issue for another day. I would imagine the developers (Stapleyside & Derenburg) will now bring their case to An Bord Pleanala.
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