IT is not the suburban shopping centres that are to blame for the spiralling decline in city centre business.
According to a Limerick Post reader the cost of parking and the lack of parking spaces is the real reason that shoppers are opting for the convenience of free parking in the out of town retail parks.
The north side resident was responding to an article in last week’s edition which highlighted implications of the mid west retail strategy for the next six years.
In the report the city is made a priority and the finger of blame for its decline is pointed at shopping centres like the Crescent and Childers Road Retail Park.
“There are taxi ranks and loading bays all over the city and there is no where to park that won’t cost an arm and a leg”, said the reader, who asked to remain anonymous.
“I understand why the footfall is so bad, I’m surprised it’s not worse. I’m in my 60’s and I don’t want to have to drive out to Coonagh only to get the park and ride back in to town”.
The gentleman who works as a security guard said that a retailer like Marks and Spencer would be a real asset for the city. “I don’t understand why permission has not been granted to Marks and Spencers. My wife loves it and I drive her to Clonmel, Galway and Cork to shop there. It would do hugely well if it came to Limerick and would be a real boost for retail.
“The city needs development such as the shopping centre that was planned for Patrick Street (the Opera Centre development). That way you could park in one place with all the shops easily accessible.
“I think it’s terrible that there is no cinema on the north side or in the city. I have to travel to Dooradoyle or Castletroy to see a movie. The population here is large enough to warrant one”.
He said that out of town shopping centres could not be blamed for the city’s decline as pedestrianisation was contributing to the parking issue.
“The pedestrian precincts have made the situation worse. You used to be able to park outside shops like the side of Todds, but no cars are allowed on the street now.
“Dun Laoghaire pedestrianised their streets and put cobbles down but a lot of people were falling and making claims against the council so they are tearing them up.
“Every few shops on the main street in Dun Laoghaire is closed, as is the case in Limerick. Pedestrianisation has not been a success in either town”. The reader also claimed that the tolled tunnel was not necessary and was only benefiting motorists travelling from Dublin to Clare or Galway, who were bypassing the city.
