THE €5.7m euro redevelopment of King John’s Castle, ahead of its 800th birthday in 2012, will create over 50 long term and short term jobs.
During the construction and fit-out phase 45 jobs will be created, and when the project is completed the number of staff positions will increase from 5 to 17.
Although most of the work will be interior, the visitor centre will be opened up, and from street level and it will be possible to see through into the castle courtyard.
A grant of €4.7 million has been secured from Failte Ireland and Shannon Development, will provide €1 million.
CEO of Shannon Development, Dr Vincent Cunnane, explained that the visitor experience will be enhanced by living interpretation and re-enactment.
New technologies and specialist multi media technologies will be installed to bring the castle’s development and historical events to life.
“Our next step will be to secure a design consultant through a public tendering process”.
Shannon Development believe that the redevelopment of the castle and the adjacent Castle Lane has the potential to significantly increase visitor numbers to Limerick.
They also said that they will continue to work with City Council and Limerick Regeneration to carry out complementary improvements in the Nicholas Street area.
Said councillor Maurice Quinlivan:
“These works will benefit the city and have the potential lead to a significant tourist spin- off. However, it is essential to ensure that the general Nicholas Street area is also developed at the same time”.
