Dr Stephen Kinsella, Professor of economics at UL, told a seminar that if UL were to purchase parts of the city and extend its campus there, it would bring the core back to life.
To illustrate the lack of change that has taken place in the past 100 years, Dr Kinsella began by producing an image taken of city streets in the 1860s and a second in the 1960s.
“As you can see, the only difference is the horses: Nothing has changed in the Georgian core of Limerick in 100 years.
“The country has a long association with a boom/bust cycle.
“We have a world class road network but the city is stagnating.
“I have been living here for five years and my future is invested here, so I have an interest in its development”.
He insisted that the area should not be looking to international companies, especially those with no ties here and could leave at a whim. He referred to some companies who stayed for a few years and then moved on.
Professor Kinsella added: “UL is the biggest entity in Limerick.
“It won’t take off and move to Uzbekistan, it is never leaving and will still be here in 100’s of years”.
Having asked the gathering how many would chose to live in the city, just four raised their hands.
“That says a lot,” he surmised.
“I have lived in Murroe for five years and have only been in the city 20 times.
“I have no desire to go there”.
He suggested that should UL purchase buildings in the city in which to base sections of the campus, it would generate a vibrant buzz, as students would contribute to economic consumption and revitalise the area.
“The donut effect is a classic sign of urban underdevelopment.
“I want UL to align itself with the city, but to start small.
“The World Academy of Music could be brought to the city.
“Even one class twice a week would bring at least 300 students in for coffee”.
He said that he lived in one of the most popular areas of New York for three years, but was told that 15 years previous he would not have walked down the street in the area.
“Now there are people queuing up to live there.
“We can wait 15 years to do the same for Limerick, or we can buy it while it’s cheap and do it up.
“When there are no people in a city it rots.
“Limerick could be a city of change, not just a city of sport”.
