well what about the developments popping up in the shannonside ?
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More on the plans for John’s Square.
Spotlight trained on John’s Square revamp
Highly ambitious project to get underway in 2009
CENTRAL to a major redesign of John’s Square is the focus on making it safe and accessible to citizens and visitors to the city
A report on the redevelopment is currently on public display (until December 17), at the planning counter in City Hall. .A main element of the development is a new city orbital route that will provide priority for pedestrians, and a one-way system around the city centre.
Other redesign features will include: a one way route from Lower Gerald Griffin Street to John’s Gate: footpath widening, high quality lighting, and landscaping on that section of the road at the end of Lower Gerald Griffin Street leading to the square, and tree planting, street furniture, the under-grounding of existing services and the installation of surface water drainage.
Word from the planning department is that as one of the few entrances to the medieval city, “the intention is to return it to being a space for meeting and activity, with an overwhelming sense of space – it is this character and history that we wish to draw attention toâ€.
With confirmation that funding is available, work is estimated to get underway by the end of 2009
“Since the eight million euro refurbishment of St John’s Cathedral a few years ago, it became glaringly obvious that the Square, by contrast, was in need of a major overhaul,†says Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon.
“â€I’m very impressed with the initial report, as are other councillors who’ve seen it. The intention is to create a public space for performance of the arts, with the provision of sheltered seating at one end of the square, and the availability of stage and performance facilities in an area that will be safe for people with children and visitors, which will have one- way traffic from Lower Gerald Griffin Street, turning left into Broad Street,
“I’m calling on t he Market Trustees to transfer some of the stalls outside the Milk Market to John’s Square on Saturday, or possibly to start up a Sunday morning market thereâ€.
The report recommends appropriate access to St John’s Hospital, the Milk Market and the cathedral, and cafe and shop frontages will be allowed to spill out into the Square in designated spaces.
Trees will be planted to help absorb sound pollution and all throughways are to be removed from the space to facilitate the work, with the exception of a single one-way lane that can be closed off for special events in the Square.
The planning department in City hall describes the project as “highly ambitious, and one that is viewed as a design that encompasses the hopes and wishes of a large cross section of Limerick people.
“It will see the bringing together of a large number of much needed projects regarding access, inclusive design and disability awarenessâ€.
Representing the area politically, Cllr O’Hanlon says that while there is huge enthusiasm for the project, he is encouraging people to participate in the consultation process.
“I will be recommending that St John’s Brass and Reed Band, which will have to leave John’s Pavilion on Mulgrave Street, to facilitate the installation of the new orbital route, be given a new band room in or around the Square, and I’m also calling for the erection of an attractive railing around the fountain, when it is refurbished, sooner, rather than laterâ€.
To further develop the Square as an artistic centre, (the city’s professional Daghdha Dance company and apartments for the use of artists are located on the northside of the Square), it is planned to make additional provision for other artistic outlets.
© Limerick Post
St John’s Square is one of 3 “Special Project Areas” identified by the City Council, the others being The Crescent and Pery Square. Does the scope of this project extend to improving the area around the Cathedral and drinking fountain?
Attachments:
St John’s Square & Drinking Fountain by derhur
St John’s Cathedral by [url=“http://www.flickr.com/photos/climberhunt/â€]climberhunt[/url]
Does the scope of this project extend to improving the area around the Cathedral and drinking fountain?
Just the drinking fountain – what I referred to as the monument earlier – you can just make out the extent of the proposals in the third pic., shaded grey. Nothing in the way way of new public realm works planned for the area around the Cathedral in the planning app.. Bear in mind the road in front of the cathedral will eventually form part of the new orbital route around the city. Which is a pity really because the whole area would make for a very impressive plaza if traffic could be diverted around it.
@jpsartre wrote:
Bear in mind the road in front of the cathedral will eventually form part of the new orbital route around the city. Which is a pity really because the whole area would make for a very impressive plaza if traffic could be diverted around it.
I’d forgotten about that actually, ideally there shouldnt be a heavily trafficed route passing in close proximity to such a landmark as St John’s Cathedral! The planned orbital travels up Charlotte Quay, Clare Street, Saint Lelia Street, New Road and past St John’s onto Cathedral Place. Unfortunately there isnt really a suitable alternative route available unless you were to use the Dublin Road and Childers Road instead. Although that isnt exactly feasible given the volumes already using those roads!
Its disappointing because as it stands that area immediately surrounding the Cathedral, Fountain etc is really lacking some form of definition and the road layout is a confusing mess. Obviously the revamp of John’s Square will drastically improve matters however its hard not to feel that they have missed a golden opportunity to create what would be Limerick’s first large scale public space!:(
The John’s square proposals do look good – nice to see they intend to keep the mature trees (which are rather large, but don’t overwhelm the buildings or square because there are only a couple of them at the corners).
As for the orbital route in front of the Cathedral – it is a pity but there really isn’t anything further out until Childers Road.
I drive and cycle by that area regularly and never noticed that monument in the middle pictures above:rolleyes:
€40m Limerick project delayed
26th Nov 2008A €40m city centre retail development given the go-ahead in Limerick has been delayed indefinitely after an appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanana.
The objection was lodged with the planning appeals body this week just two days before the four-week deadline.
Limerick City planners last month gave planning permission for the five-storey 60,000 square foot retail and office development on a site between Glentworth Street, Lower Catherine Street and Mallow Street.
The development will create up to 200 jobs in its construction phase alone.
The ambitious project is being developed by the Catherine Street Partnership consortium.
Noel Harrington, a member of the consortium, has said publically that there is huge support for the project from local businesses.
He has said the development would result in a new business hub in the city centre, and would play an important part in helping its regeneration.
The site is zoned as a commercial area and forms part of the city area identified by Limerick City Council for conservation and re-generation.
The project has been well received by local businesses and residents as a portion of the existing site has been derelict for some years and is sometimes a focus of anti-social behavior.
The development, designed by award-winning architects Murray O Laoire, is also seen as important in creating a new commercial and amenity centre for the city.
This post was in the irish Construction weekly publication
@J.P wrote:
€40m Limerick project delayed
26th Nov 2008A €40m city centre retail development given the go-ahead in Limerick has been delayed indefinitely after an appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanana.
The objection was lodged with the planning appeals body this week just two days before the four-week deadline.
Limerick City planners last month gave planning permission for the five-storey 60,000 square foot retail and office development on a site between Glentworth Street, Lower Catherine Street and Mallow Street.
The development will create up to 200 jobs in its construction phase alone.
The ambitious project is being developed by the Catherine Street Partnership consortium.
Noel Harrington, a member of the consortium, has said publically that there is huge support for the project from local businesses.
He has said the development would result in a new business hub in the city centre, and would play an important part in helping its regeneration.
The site is zoned as a commercial area and forms part of the city area identified by Limerick City Council for conservation and re-generation.
The project has been well received by local businesses and residents as a portion of the existing site has been derelict for some years and is sometimes a focus of anti-social behavior.
The development, designed by award-winning architects Murray O Laoire, is also seen as important in creating a new commercial and amenity centre for the city.
This post was in the irish Construction weekly publication
Why in Gods name woulf you oppose that?!
Anything would be better than that eyesore.This si getting ridiculous.
I’m all for questioning some of the more dubious applications, but you seem to have to apply to An Bord Planala five times if you want to sneeze in the city center nowadays!Why in Gods name woulf you oppose that?!
Anything would be better than that eyesore.This si getting ridiculous.
I’m all for questioning some of the more dubious applications, but you seem to have to apply to An Bord Planala five times if you want to sneeze in the city center nowadays!I don’t want to sound like a smart arse but its only an eysore because its been left to fall into dereliction. Shabiness per se is no excuse for wholesale demolition of a built heritage (no.s 34 to 41 Catherine St. I believe are to be demolished). But I take your point. The Georgian Quarter needs investment if its to survive but nobody is going to want to invest there if they think ABP will end up scrutinizing every application, assuming conservation concerns were the basis of the objection. It’s a bit of a catch 22 I think.
On a different note I was quite struck by the Christmas ‘tree’ on the river as I walked along O’Connell street the other day. Shannon street frames it and its quite eye catching at night when its lit up. This got me thinking about focal points in Limerick or rathe the lack of them, so here are a few suggestions:
Spring Rice Monument – I read somewhere that Hartstonge st. was built such that the monument would serve as its focal point. But this intention was clearly never acted upon as the view is obscured by vegetation and there is no gate to frame it. See mock-up.
Wellesley Pier Clock – If the Limerick Boat Club buildings are to be demolished and similarly the Penny’s building along with its clock then maybe the new building on the pier could incorporate a clock. The site is perfect imo. See mock-up (inspired by lighthouse concept).
Fannings Castle – This is the tumbledown behind the former LSAD building on Georges Quay. Since the much publicized mediaeval quarter presently consists of a mere 2 buildings proper, making a centrepiece of Fannings Castle might make the ‘mediaeval quarter’ claim a little more credible. I propose demolishing the former LSAD building (won’t be missed imo), tidying up the Castle with particular care paid to lighting, and opening up the space to create a little square in front of the building. This space would also help link the potato market to the canal corridor and form something of a focal point at the end of Michael st. See mock-up.
Other possible f.p. structures could include a very large structure at the top of Mallow st. visible from the Shannon Bridge roundabout, and another on the newly proposed square at Pennys on O’Connell st.. The Dominican Church by Tate’s Clock & St. Michaels on Pery Sq. could be lit better imo.
@SuperCool wrote:
Why in Gods name woulf you oppose that?!
Anything would be better than that eyesore.This si getting ridiculous.
I’m all for questioning some of the more dubious applications, but you seem to have to apply to An Bord Planala five times if you want to sneeze in the city center nowadays!An Bord Pleanala dont specify the reason(s) behind an appeal on their website and Limerick City Council STILL dont make planning conditions etc available online, so one can only speculate on the grounds of this appeal.
However there are 2 “proposed protected structures” on the site (35 & 37 Catherine Street), the facades of which the developer proposed to retain. I believe it would be a mistake to let this through as originally proposed so an appeal on the basis that these buildings should be retained in their entirety would be justifiable imo!
Other than that, the appellant may either have a vested interest in neighbouring properties or simply be out to cause a nuisance!
Whatever the reason, a decision is due by March 19th.
See Previous Post
New boardwalk boosts Limerick’s riverside city
By John Hogan
LIMERICK’S riverside is to receive a major facelift with the construction of a boardwalk, at a cost of almost €1m, which will stretch from the Treaty Stone to the new Curragower Falls Park.
Plans for the Clancy Strand Riverside Boardwalk were described as an integral part of the enhancement of the city centre at their launch in City Hall this Thursday afternoon.
“The River Shannon is one of the most important assets of Limerick City, as recognised by substantial new development investment and the overall vision for a riverside city,” said Vincent Murray, senior engineer with Limerick City Council.
“To reinforce these initiatives, the Riverside Improvement Strategy aims to provide a high quality waterside environment for public use and enjoyment, as well as a unique setting for the ongoing revitalisation of the City Centre. The boardwalk will provide an important link in the continuous riverside walkway, extending along both sides of the river from Shannon Bridge to Thomond Bridge.”
The boardwalk will be a lightweight steel structure cantilevered from the river wall. Construction will involve a structural steel frame supported by a line of piles of front of the existing wall. Work on the project will start this month and planners expect it to be finished by March. The value of the boardwalk contract is €955,000.
Mr Murray added that the boardwalk will also provide a much-needed safe pedestrain route along a narrow section of Clancy Strand where no footpath currently exists.
Carillion Irishenco Ltd will oversee the construction of the Riverside Boardwalk. Past projects for the company include the Grand Parade in Cork, the James Joyce Bridge in Dublin and the Living Bridge, linking the UL main campus with the North Campus on the other side of the Shannon.
The development is jointly funded by Failte Ireland, Limerick City Council and Shannon Development.
The boardwalk is a good idea. Clancy Strand is a nice walk as part of a Limerick city tour (from Treaty Stone to Sarsfield bridge and back to city centre, as opposed to going back to the castle and up to the cathedral a second time).
The pavement works on Clancy Strand are nicely done, and it is good to see some new lighting and less overhead wires – but I am not so sure about the new light fixtures.
Sarsfield bridge could do with a bit of work. It’s a fine bridge in my inexpert but local opinion. There is a marker on the bridge to mark it having been done up in the 1970s, but the mortar between the stone on the parapets doesn’t seem so great, and there is a lousy stoney concrete pavement with lines marking it out like paving slabs. Even the tarmac on the roadway would be less obtrusive if properly relaid and marked. The lamps are I think all working again, and I think they were painted in recent years, but they could be properly cleaned up and restored.
At a time when the arse has fallen out of the economy and the city is haemorrhaging money, the City Manager has come up with an ingenious solution, to take even more money out of the city!:confused:
To be fair, it isn’t all the City Council’s fault. Funding has inexplicably been cut despite the increased costs associated with the mini boundary extension and the resulting compensation that has to be paid to Limerick County Council.
With no rate increases in the County Council run suburbs , it doesn’t take a genius to work out what the effect on city centre trade will be!
Local political gombeenism is killing the city and this nonsense has to stop once and for all. Come on John Gormley, its time to get the finger out!:mad:
Dismay as Limerick city businesses face a three per cent hike
By Nick Rabbitts
CITY centre businesses, already facing an uphill battle to win customers from shopping centres in the suburbs, will have another added disadvantage next year with rates set to go up by three per cent.
And to add salt to their wounds businesses in the county including the Crescent Shopping Centre and Castltroy won’t face any increase in their rate.
This Thursday, city councillors were presented with the City Council’s financial estimates ahead of the budget meeting which will take place Thursday next.
City management are recommending a three per cent commercial rate rise – the first since 2005 – but county management are advocating no increase be made next year, ahead of the their own budget meeting on December 15.
Meanwhile, following Finance Minister Brian Lenihan’s budgetary decision to cut the local authority’s spending power by seven per cent, city manager Tom Mackey has been forced to recommend savage reductions in funding to five out of eight sectors – including a cut of almost €500,000 to recreational projects.
According to the estimates, spending on education looks set to take a cut of more than €38,000, albeit the lowest projected cut.
However, there is better news for the city council’s housing programme – and the regeneration process set to get under way – as an extra €392,000 is being recommended.The county council’s rates freeze represents a massive blow to city centre traders, who are already losing out because the county charges lower rates – providing a boost to suburban shopping outlets like Castletroy Shopping Centre and the Crescent.
Speaking to the Limerick Leader this Thursday, Cllr Jim Long said news of the county council’s rates freeze represents a “death knell.”
“This changes the whole ball game for Limerick City Council. We are struggling to compete with suburban shopping areas as it is. We have a responsibility to the business sector and Limerick city centre is on the decline. It is widely forecast that a number of businesses are facing the chop after Christmas. Inevitably when you increase the commercial rate, this will reflect back on the consumer. We should not be afraid to do the right thing. Unless we are fully satisfied this is the best budget, we should not accept it.”
Meanwhile, former Trade Minister Michael Noonan called on Mr Mackey to reverse his decision.
“Business people have had a dreadful year and the prospects for next year look no better. City businesses simply cannot afford a rate increase,” he said.
However, the chief executive of Limerick’s Chamber Maria Kelly said the city could not have done much more, considering the economic climate.
“We don’t welcome any rates increase obviously, but I am confident the rate was kept as low as possible – it could not have gone much lower,” she said.Frank O’Mahony, managing director of O’Mahony’s Bookshop in O’Connell Street described a rates increase as “ridiculous”
“Every business in town is struggling. Most people are reporting their profits are down at least 15 per cent, but some are up to 40 per cent. It is somewhat strange to be claiming rates have not gone up for three years, when water costs in the city have gone up astronomically. Business costs are exceedingly high, and they are getting higher.”
Cllr Maria Byrne – a rate payer herself – has claimed the government have failed to consider in Limerick’s case, the fact that the city is operating at a larger area following this year’s boundary extension.
“We have more people to service now here in the city. Now the likes of Caherdavin and Coonagh are in the city, we should have received a further allocation,” she said.The deputy mayor, Fianna Fail’s Cllr John Cronin, said: “Considering the economic situation, it would be nice to keep rates the way they are. The situation is so bad, I cannot understand why an increase in rates is being sought. We are getting no money from the extended city, because we have to pay a charge to the county every year for this. But I think the manager is doing the best he can considering we are €800,000 down on our government grant.”
Under the estimates, councillors expenses have been frozen, despite several city members, including Cllr Long admitting they were prepared to take a cut.
Cllr Long hit out at city management for recommending a massive €1.4m rise in ‘Miscellaneous Services’ – a sector which covers the costs of administration.
“Miscellaneous services is a very strange thing to be increasing,” he said, “The increase in miscellaneous services is double the cut.”
And he added he does not know if this tough budget will solve the problems.“People say we are walking a tightrope with the budget. But I call it a circus act. We are on a trampoline situation here and I do not know if the safety net is going to withhold,” he concluded.
Despite major projects in the pipeline to construct the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road – a major artery going through the city’s northside – as well as bus lanes, the roads department look likely to see its budget cut by more than €350,000.
And Mr Mackey is also looking to slash €147,000 from planning and development, in spite of the fact major retail strategies are due to be launched or completed over the next few years.
The difference in spend from Budget 2008 is 1.1 per cent.
© Limerick Leader
Got an email back from the City Council today regarding their spending plans for next year. These are the figures they quoted, the only areas to see an increase are housing and water services.
Budget 2009
- Housing €17,142,347 + €392,560
- Roads €13,003,249 – €369,879
- Water & Sewerage €14,942,904 + €302,051
- Planning & Development €4,969,243 – €147,385
- Environment €19,343,719 – €127,184
- Recreation & Amenity €6,549,217 – €480,216
- Agri, Education, Health €6,420,527 – € 38,626
- Misc €6,435,200 + €1,454,466
Overall Spending 2009 € 88,806,586 + €985,788
What I really wanted to find out was when the re-modelling of O Connell Street and William Street would be getting underway? Bear in mind that Summer 2008 was the original date for the start of the William Street project.
As you can see, I didn’t exactly get a straight answer.
Limerick City Council hopes to commence work in 2009 on the next phases of the City Centre re-modelling scheme. This should see work commence on the inner orbital route that will facilitate the upgrading of William Street and O Connell Street.
On the one hand it seems to suggest that more than 1 project will be getting underway but then again it also implies that the O Connell St/William St projects wont be starting until the orbital route is up and running!
Im guessing its all dependant on how much money is available from the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government.
10 December 2008
Construction of new Limerick track set to start in March
By Colm O’ConnorAT last, some good news in these recessionary times.
The Irish Greyhound Board yesterday confirmed that the construction of their new stadium in Limerick will commence in March.
The project will generate 250 jobs through to its completion in September 2010 and over 100 permanent jobs when the doors are open at the Dock Road site.
It was also revealed that the existing headquarters of the IGB on Henry Street in Limerick will likely be put on the market in the New Year.
IGB Chief Executive Adrian Neilan described the project as “a cornerstone of our long term ambition for the sport of greyhound racing.”
Continued Neilan: “Limerick is a multi-million development, making it one of the biggest construction projects in the south west next year.
“It will create 250 construction jobs up to its completion in September 2010 and then over 100 permanent jobs at the stadium which will be a long term top class addition to the sporting tradition of which Limerick is justifiably proud.
“There is no doubt that the next few years will be challenging, but the Limerick project is a cornerstone of our long term ambition for the sport of greyhound racing and its support of nearly 11,000 jobs in Ireland.
“The capital funds established during recent years are being invested wisely for the long term benefit of the sport and the industry. These will be supplemented in this instance by the savings generated by relocating our Head Office from the City Centre to the new stadium.”
He revealed: “The original plans approved by the Irish Greyhound Board in 2005 have been updated to accommodate greater building and environmental efficiency. This stadium will be right on the cutting edge of sports and leisure building and will reflect the confidence generated within our sport in recent years.”
The tender for the main construction contract will be published on 16th January with return of tender documents by February 28th and contractors moving on site during March.
John J Casey and Company has been appointed as project manager for the construction of the new stadium. The company oversaw construction of Curaheen Park in Cork and the renovation of Shelbourne Park and Harolds Cross Stadiums in Dublin, as well as Galway greyhound stadium in over the last decade. More recently it served as Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers on the €60m redevelopment of Jury’s Hotel in Cork, and on the €6m new pavilion stand at Mallow racecourse.
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Good news indeed.Will be a great facility once up and running.Hope on the back of this that markets field will become home once again for limerick football.Heard recently that limerick fc are in talks with possible investors about returning there.May happen, especially as there will not be a huge interest from developers for residential or coomerical property due to the finacial climate.
@KeepAnEyeOnBob wrote:
Sarsfield bridge could do with a bit of work. It’s a fine bridge in my inexpert but local opinion. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . The lamps are I think all working again, and I think they were painted in recent years, but they could be properly cleaned up and restored.
The weight / pull / strain of those hanging lights are also starting to take its toll on the Lanterns! 🙁
09/12/2008
North West Distribution Road Plans For LimerickLimerick City Council has announced plans for a distributor road along the north west of the city.
Council officials say they have identified a necessary extension from Coonagh Roundabout on the N18 northwards to the Knockalisheen Road.
The proposed scheme will also provide a link road to Moyross and an upgrade of the Knockalisheen Road.
A council spokesman said: “The need for the scheme has been further identified as an important aspect of the current Moyross regeneration programme which has recommended that a distributor road from Coonagh Roundabout northwards including an access road to the Moyross area be progressed as a matter of urgency.”
The proposed Coonagh/Knockalisheen Distributor Road is approximately 3km in length.
Work on the Knockalisheen Road upgrade will involve improvement the road to a suitable urban standard and include a widening to accommodate footpaths and cycle lanes.
Upgrade works on the Knockalisheen Road would stretch over 1.7km in length.
“An initial study area was identified and a constraints study was undertaken which identified all factors to be considered in the development of the scheme,” said the spokesman.
“From identification of the constraints a number of route options for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road were developed,” he added.
He said the preferred route was then chosen based on a number of environmental and engineering factors.
Existing development, land use and planning; engineering and topography; utilities; geology and hydrogeology; socio economic data; flora, fauna and fisheries; archaeology and cultural heritage; and landscape and visual aspects.
Views expressed through a public consultation process will be considered during the further development of the preliminary design of the scheme, and during the advancement of the statutory planning procedures.
This could involve the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, which would be submitted to An Bord Pleanala for determination, Limerick council said.
Is there any new word on the Opera Centre?
The massive billboards are still up everywhere for it but no one I know seems to know anything about it.Also,
I remember at one stage (last year or so) they were planning a historic landmark for Limerick, I suppose that has gone out the window now?@Contraband wrote:
Is there any new word on the Opera Centre?
The massive billboards are still up everywhere for it but no one I know seems to know anything about it.The only certainty at the moment is that a decision is due from An Bord Pleanala in February. Theres been 3 years of pure speculation about this project so take any stories you might hear with a serious pinch of salt!
Btw the Opera Centre now has its own dedicated thread!
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