€1.9BILLION for housing and the return of important artefacts for big events like the Ryder Cup are two items high up on the Mayor’s wishlist for Limerick, it has been revealed.
And these were just some of the asks by Mayor of Limerick John’s Moran on announcing on his ambitious plans for Limerick under the National Development Plan (NDP).
The Mayor said that when “nationally (or internationally) significant events are held in Limerick, that it is right and proper that consideration be given to temporarily locate symbols and/or artefacts of historic significance in Limerick buildings”.
“This is a practice that is commonly followed in other European countries when large scale events are held,” he added.
The Mayor told a press conference gathered this Wednesday (May 14) that three key areas were highlighted as the focus of the Council’s asks from government for Limerick – housing, transport and infrastructure, and water.
His plans would see an estimated €1.9bn request for housing, €3.9bn invested in transport, and €600m on water infrastructure.
Under these pillars is a €600m smart housing programme, with a number of sites already identified by the Council, according to the Mayor.
Figures from the Economic and Social Research Institute’s (ESRI) revised population target show’s Limerick will need to provide an additional 9,000 homes by 2040 to match the predicted rise in population.
Limerick’s population has already increased from 94,000 people to 102,000 people between 2016-2022, which could rise to 150,000 by 2040, according to these projections.
This figure does not include supply that is needed to meet the current housing demand in Limerick, the Mayor said.
Mayor Moran’s asks also include €700m towards a land value capture activation plot, which would essentially mean that the Council has ownership of the land before it is decided what type of housing is to be allocated there.
An affordable housing scheme to the tune of €22m to be rolled out in Abbeyfeale was also put forward as a suggestion.
As well as this, an ask of €200m was put forward as part of the Land Development Agency Colbert Quarter Activation, a major urban development and rejuvenation project in the heart of Limerick City.
The project aims to deliver up to 2,800 homes in addition to commercial space and public spaces alongside sustainable transport options.
The Foynes to Limerick Road Scheme and Rail to Foynes was also highlighted as a key issue, with a funding request of €750m.
An allocated ask of €500m towards ongoing works on the development of the N/M20 Cork to Limerick motorway was also raised.
A dual track Colbert Station to Limerick Junction railway line as well as a Shannon Airport Link was proposed, with a requested budget of €200m.
As part of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), additional requests from the Council’s office to the NDP include €250m for Limerick City Centre, €15m for Adare ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup, as well as €20m for Newcastle West, Rathkeale, and Kilmallock.
Continued calls for community CCTV in local communities was also echoed as part of the Mayor’s ask, as well as further investment in tourism for Limerick City.
If approved, this would see €100m in funding towards a multi-use event centre, €30m investment for King John’s Castle and €30m towards a GameCube gaming museum for Limerick.
The Colbert Quarter Sports and Recreation Plan, which the Mayor has already sought €25m in funding from the government, was included with an additional €17.5m requested.
The land located near Hyde Road and Caledonian park has been previously been described as a municipal sports complex, if completed, and would mirror much of what is seen in other European cities.
The area has already been identified by the Land Development Agency – which the Mayor formerly chaired – the State body responsible for delivering housing in that area.
