Shannon Development is calling for an extension of the Limerick city boundary and one governing organisation for Limerick City and County. In a submission today (Wednesday 5th May 2010) to the Limerick Local Government Committee, Dr. Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development said:
“The Limerick City boundary needs to be extended to ensure that it has the necessary scale and resource base from which to drive the future economic development of the Limerick / Shannon Gateway and Shannon Region. In order to fulfil the area’s potential Shannon Development believes that one governing organisation, a Greater Limerick Authority, with responsibility for Limerick City and County is the optimal structure to manage a Greater Limerick Area with a larger and stronger Limerick City at its core.”
The Company believes that it is very important that Limerick City regains its position as Ireland’s 3rd largest city. It is also imperative that Limerick City retains its status as one of the nominated cities under Schedule 2; Part 5 of the 2001 Local Government Act. If legislation is required to give effect to this, then that legislative change should happen before the creation of a Greater Limerick Authority.
In relation to whether there should be an adjustment between the boundary of County Clare and Limerick City or County, Shannon Development believes that the main economic development opportunities lie in the future development of the lands on the University of Limerick campus. As this site straddles both Clare and Limerick, Shannon Development believes that Clare County Council and a new Greater Limerick Authority, working jointly, is the optimal structure to deliver this development.
“This type of partnership on long term economic development fits exactly with National Spatial Strategy objectives. Accordingly Shannon Development recommends that the lands identified in County Clare for the University of Limerick campus should remain in County Clare on the basis that the overall campus development would be jointly managed by Clare County Council and the new Greater Limerick Authority.” said Dr. Cunnane.
The Company recommends that residential areas of Westbury and Shannon Banks, on the outskirts of Limerick City but in County Clare, should become part of Limerick City. This would aid the efficient provision of public services, including emergency services and would enlarge the population of the larger Limerick City by just over 4,000.
Highlighting the importance of taking a long term approach to the development of the area, Dr. Cunnane said, “Shannon Development’s primary focus in submitting these recommendations is to enhance the long term economic development prospects of the Shannon Region with Limerick City as a strong, vibrant metropolitan core fulfilling its potential as the driving force of the Region’s economic development. We believes that whatever plan is agreed should be sufficient to cater for the growing needs of the Greater Limerick Area over the next twenty to thirty years.”
Nandi O’Sullivan
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