Limerick 2030 can create jobs and revitalise our city centre – O’Donnell

Fine Gael TD for Limerick City, Kieran O’Donnell, has welcomed Limerick 2030, the strategic plan for Limerick, which was announced by the Government today (Firday). This plan sets out an ambitious vision for the city over the next 17 years.

“I believe that Limerick can establish itself as an outstanding European city and the best city in Ireland in which to live, to do business, and to shop. Limerick 2030 provides the cornerstone for that to happen. It is a bridge to the future for Limerick.
 

“I am particularly pleased that an integral part of the plan is the inclusion of a National Diaspora Centre, earmarked for the former Dunnes Stores building on Sarsfield Street. This is a project which I have been driving for some time. I believe it has the potential to become an iconic attraction for Limerick and has potential to drive very substantial direct and indirect employment here.

“Our plan to bring the National Diaspora Centre to Limerick is currently under consideration in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. As part of high-level group, I organised and took part in a presentation of Limerick’s proposal for the National Diaspora Centre to Minister Varadkar recently. I will be continuing my intense involvement in progressing the project.

“Ultimately, what this strategic plan for Limerick seeks to do is to achieve a sustainable momentum for Limerick as an engine of prosperity for the Mid-West region and beyond. The key to success will be in implementing the initiatives contained within it in a measurable way. One of the strengths of Limerick 2030 is that this transparency and the ability to measure objectives are built into it.

“Each objective within the plan will enhance Limerick’s capacity to generate and retain employment. This is the single most important issue in Limerick today, and I strongly welcome Limerick 2030 as a plan that can create jobs.

“It is crucial that Limerick city centre is revitalised. We have a beautiful Georgian city centre on a stunning riverside location that would be the envy of many cities. Visitors to the city are usually very impressed by how easy on the eye our city centre is. There are a number of steps that must be taken in order to revitalise the city and as a Government we are committed to this happening. We are embarking on a generational change now, with a new local authority structure in place and a fresh vision for the city centre itself.

“I am particularly supportive of the City Centre Higher Education Campus initiative, which is focussed on integrating the third level institutions into the fabric of the city centre itself. I believe that this is particularly crucial and is something I have long campaigned for.
 

“I want to see our third-level institutions encouraging people to study, work and live in the heart of Limerick city. The Higher Education Campus is the route to achieving this. I look forward to working towards the implementation of Limerick 2030 in the coming period, and to harnessing the dynamism and ambition that we have throughout Limerick.”
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