FORGET plans for any development at the abandoned Parkway Valley site and concentrate instead on developing the ‘bombed’ out site that is the Opera Centre.
So pleads businessman Tony Connolly, who claimed to the Limerick Post that he, and fellow retailers, had been alerted that there was a serious revival of interest in the Parkway Valley site on the Dublin Road.
“Even when the Tiger was roaring that would have had a devastating effect on the city centre… I understand that talks are now ongoing on that particular landbank, with a group of outside investors involved”.
Planning permission had been granted for 46 units, with Tesco and Penneys as anchors.
Provision had also been made for Ireland’s largest indoor skating rink.
Recently, a number of cranes were removed from the site, alongside the Parkway Retail Park.
Other retailers have supported Mr Connolly’s assertion that the Opera Centre must be top priority, as has the Hunt Museum’s Dr Hugh Maguire.
The abandoned development at Rutland Street/Patrick Street is a constant source of frustration for retailer Connolly.
“When this is the first thing people see in the city they get the impression that half of the city is closed down, but there are still lots of shops open for business”.
It had, he continued, resulted in a diminished footfall, and he is disappointed that nobody is taking responsibility.
“My understanding is that it is in NAMA, until such time as there is movement there, our hands are tied.
“Taxpayers now own this site. Until such time as it goes back to private ownership, it seems that nothing will change”.
Meanwhile, the director of the Hunt Museum has described the dilapidated city-centre block of buildings as a dreadful blight on the city.
Dr Hugh Maguire, an architectural expert, said:
“A gaping chasm of boarded up buildings isn’t very welcoming.
“We get comments saying it is a shame or it’s a disaster. For some coach visitors it is their only glimpse of the city”.
He expressed the view it’s not too late to take some form of action.
“Temple Bar was in a far more dilapidated state before it was redeveloped. I know that type of development may not be attractive to a developer, but it would add life to the city centre”.
Dr Maguire feels it is a matter of Limerick fulfilling its potential, like other Irish cities.
