well what about the developments popping up in the shannonside ?

@justnotbothered wrote:

Please tell me I’m not the only one who objects to this development terrorism? This pie in the sky project would be a disaster for Limerick. The Westfields Wetlands have been recognised as one of the few urban wetlands in Europe, any attempt to destroy them (which this plan effectively is) must be resisted, If they feel the need to invest such sums of money in the Limerick region, can I suggest that the dockland area of Limerick is far more deserving of investment? If the city council agree to this monstrosity of a plan it will be the second parkland they have desecrated within a year, good work city council!

The suggestion that such a huge development should take place in or around the Wetlands is absolutely outrageous as far as I’m concerened. I fully agree that this unique area needs all the protection it can get…particularly at a time of rampant (and often indiscriminate) expansion.

We’ll wait and see how serious this all is before rushing ot judgement, but forgive me if I appear cynical regarding any assurances about the ‘minimal’ effects it will (allegedly) have on the Wetlands themselves. Walking out to Barrington’s Pier is still (despite the busy road) a very pleasant experience and the view across the river, from the ‘Steamboat Quay’ side is one to make the heart glad, expecially at sunset.

If this is really a serious proposition then I think action needs to be taken to stop the rape of a true asset to the city.

@ShaneP wrote:

Thanks Limerick Guy, will have make a trip out there next time I’m home, the views of the area from town are fairly class – would hate to see it change.

Here are a few more pics (of the area) from my personal collection.

Looking back towards the Shannon Bridge (and Clarion) from Barrington’s Pier:

Ditto:

Looking away from Limerick (on Barrington’s Pier):

Barrington’s Pier itself:

Westfields Wetlands:

And again…

People walk/jog/cycle in this area every single day. It is being used for the exact purposes one would want, so any changes should surely be ones that add to (rather than detract from) its ‘recreational’ potential.

@Limerick Guy wrote:

first of all great pics hailtothechimp. just to let everyone know in the first two pics the tide is fully in, i think the land which is going to be built upon is actually under water in those first two pics.

Thanks. Though the tide is in in the pics, my understanding is that the entire area between the Shannon (at low tide) and the main road is included in the proposed project. Even if that’s not the case, I find it impossible to believe that such a huge development could be built on the ‘underwater area’ without causing significant disruption to the rest of the area.

If nothing else, the greenery would be completely obscured from the far bank of the Shannon by the proposed buildings.

€1.5bn development planned for Limerick site on banks of Shannon
Karl Hanlon

Plans to transform a wetland area in Limerick city along the banks of the Shannon with a €1.5 billion riverfront development are progressing swiftly, according to the consortium behind the project.

Promoters of the development confirmed that Limerick City Council had welcomed the project “in principle” and that other statutory bodies would now be consulted to move it to the next stage.

The project, which is being promoted by the Riverdeep Consortium, would mark the biggest development ever carried out in Limerick.

If it goes ahead it would also become the biggest infrastructural development on the river Shannon since the construction of the Ardnacrusha power station in the 1920s.

It is proposed that the massive development would be built on a narrow 50-acre site which stretches nearly a mile along the banks of the Shannon in Limerick city. Up to half of this wetland area, which is subject to flooding, would have to be reclaimed from the river with the construction of a massive dyke.

Five piers would be built in separate units, linked by a boardwalk, with each unit featuring 12-storey high pods housing apartments, a hotel, offices, a shopping complex and a gymnasium.

One of the biggest obstacles facing Riverdeep will be the preservation of a designated conservation area adjoining the site. However, it is understood the developers are proposing to set aside a significant budget to protect the area during construction.

Engineer Ned Sheedy, who is fronting the Riverdeep consortium, said the project was very much in keeping with the city council’s stated aim of promoting Limerick as a riverside city.

“There are a few hurdles to be negotiated, but this will bring life back into the city,” he said.

The other members of the consortium have not been publicly identified, but it is understood it also includes local auctioneers and solicitors.

It has not been revealed how the consortium aims to finance the development which property sources estimate could cost €500 million to build, with a finished value of up to €1.5 billion.

“At this point in time we can’t disclose details of the financial operation, but financing this operation will not be a difficulty,” Mr Sheedy said.

Following their meeting with council officials, the consortium must now open negotiations with the Office of Public Works, the Department of the Marine, the Department of the Environment and the EU.

The council currently owns some of the land in the proposed site, while the title of the mud flats along the riverfront is currently unclear.

Councillor Jim Long, who was approached by the developers for advice, said he would back the ambitious project as long as the consortium fulfilled all its statutory obligations.

The Riverdeep consortium said that construction work could start within 18 months.

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0228/3591426011HM2LIMERICKRIVER.html

© The Irish Times

I hope this project works out for the best. Cities need high density near the center but of course to a high standard while not being elitest,

The fact that things are progressing quickly is great news!!

From Reading that article it is clear the developers want to protect the wetlands while developing some really valuable land close to the city.I am well in favour of this development. The more great building projects that go up in Limerick. The more fantastic the city will look.

Lets hope it gets the go ahead.

Wouldnt that look cool, 2 tall buildings as you enter or leave Limerick via the river. Kinda look like a fort protection

@justnotbothered wrote:

Are you stone crazy? how do you protect wetlands while simultaneously building on them? What about access roads , pipes etc. The article clearly states half the land would have to be reclaimed, leaving it clear they intend the other 50% to come from the Wetlands themselves. Meanwhile, Limerick city proper is literally full of undeveloped sites. I’m all for development, but this would be a disaster for the city, imagine the shame of having a special EU conservation area concreted over? What does this city have against parkland, between trying to sell of Arthur’s Quay, the People’s Park and now this?

I honestly wonder how you could even begin to to consider this project anything other than a disaster for the area.

Here, Here!! This thread is obviously turning into a pro development at all costs thread. Like that other Cork thread here. This is probably the last place that building should happen. A flood plain! Global warming anybody?

@anto wrote:

Here, Here!! This thread is obviously turning into a pro development at all costs thread. Like that other Cork thread here. This is probably the last place that building should happen. A flood plain! Global warming anybody?

“….Up to half of this wetland area, which is subject to flooding, would have to be reclaimed from the river with the construction of a massive dyke………..”

The dyk should take care of that:)

@Maskhadov wrote:

“….Up to half of this wetland area, which is subject to flooding, would have to be reclaimed from the river with the construction of a massive dyke………..”

The dyk should take care of that:)

Yes a dyke would hypothetically protect a specific plot from rising water levels; however that water would be displaced elsewhere and cause flooding to adjoining or neighbouring plots.

I would ask one question why were the consortium proposing this scheme able to pick the holding up for a song?