O’Dea to propose amendment to finance bill
IN a week when management at Trinity Rooms nightclub claimed they were forced to close because of “rat infestation” at the nearby Opera Centre,
It has now been recommended that the abandoned Patrick Street/Ellen Street/Michael Street site become a tax-designated area, using Dublin’s Temple Bar as a template.
UL economist, Dr Anthony Leddin, told the Limerick Post that the site had the potential to be transformed into a Temple Bar model, echoing the thoughts of Dr. Hugh Maguire, Hunt Museum director and architectural expert.
Local TD Willie O’Dea, has lent his support, promising to initiate an amendment to the Finance Bill currently going through the Dáil to allow for tax incentives to apply.
Speaking to the Limerick Post, the highly respected Dr Leddin, said:
“Nothing is going to happen with that centre for many years.
“The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, is in this constituency and he can put tax-incentives in place straight away.
“It doesn’t take much, and he is in a position to do just that.
“The whole of the Temple Bar was transformed when it became a tax-designated area.
“We need to take that as a model and apply it to the Opera Centre area. As long as the pricing and taxing is right, the business will follow”.
Deputy O’Dea told the Limerick Post: “I would very much support such a tax incentive, and I will get Michael McGrath TD, spokesperson on finance, to propose an amendment.
“We need to make a special case for the Opera Centre. If the amendment is presented to Michael Noonan it will be up to him to accept a positive development in his own constituency”.
Hugh Maguire expressed the view it’s not too late to take some form of action on the site directly opposite the Hunt Museum.
“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”.
The Opera Centre property is currently in the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA), and Deputy O’Dea urged Limerick City Council to apply pressure for action.
“There’s nothing stopping Limerick City Council from applying a dereliction notice on the site, which would mean a 3% levy on the property each year. This might encourage NAMA to make a move”.
Caroline Curley, director of services at City Hall, said their preference was for tenant(s) on the site rather than having a dereliction order imposed.
