A MAJOR revamp is proposed for the run-down Nicholas Street area, spearheaded by City Council and Shannon Development, who want to change Limerick city from a service to a destination centre.
Moves are also afoot to boost trade by transporting passengers from ships that dock at Foynes Harbour to the city.
Shannon Development’s chief executive, Eoghan Prendergast, confirmed that, in co-operation with council, it is driving forward a major revamp of King John’s Castle.
“The castle’s performance has slipped, but we have an application in for funding to develop it and bring in tourism – we hope to have 100,000 visitors annually.
“The project we are going after will be the linchpin for further development of Nicholas Street, as well as a major development for Castle Lane”.
Reminding a meeting this week that in 1985, the council demolished 26 houses inside King John’s Castle, Cllr Kevin Kiely said that people had been told then that the castle and Nicholas Street area would become Limerick’s Temple Bar
“With 75% of Nicholas Street derelict, it needs a major investment. When we closed the street to traffic it was to develop tourism, but I believe that the reason it did not succeed was competition between Bunratty Castle and King John’s – we should have a separate management.
“Speculators got buildings on the street for half nothing but we must now develop the street and we need to consult with the businesses and let them know of our plans”.
Meanwhile, Mr Prendergast revealed they were working with the Shannon Foynes Port Company to get people off the ships that berth there, to visit Limerick city, and also get visitors from Cork Harbour to Limerick – in Belfast, they bring in 100,000 visitors annually from cruisers.
“The Irish naval vessel, the LE Eithne, has told us they love coming to Limerick because the port is in the middle of the city – Cllr Jim Long is right in his suggestion that ships could sail into and berth in Limerick Docks”.
