Chapter 2 - Castleconnell in Context

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2.1        Settlement Location

Castleconnell is located approximately 10km north east of Limerick City.  Its hinterlands form the rural area between it and the suburbs of Limerick City.  The village centre is located approximately 1km off the R445, the former national Limerick/Dublin route. The village adjoins the River Shannon, which is the county boundary between County Limerick and County Clare.  The village has developed in a linear fashion along the banks of the River Shannon with the Main Street running parallel to the River.  The topography of Castleconnell and the surrounding areas is largely low lying.

2.2        Profile

The principal demographic trends for the Castleconnell as set out in Census data 2016 are outlined below.  This data is significant in terms of determining demand for service provision, such as schools and childcare facilities, housing, health-care, employment opportunities as well as availability of labour force, standards of education/training attained and disposable income.

 

Figure 2.1 – Socio economic profile of Castleconnell (Census 2016)

2.3        Historical Context

Castleconnell lies on the River Shannon which was an important route way from pre-historic times.  During the development of the Castleconnell Sewerage Scheme, excavation in the adjoining townland of Hermitage found evidence of Mesolithic burials over 9,500 years old.  Evidence of Bronze Age and Iron Age remains on the nearby banks of the River were also discovered.

Figure 2.2 Map of Castleconnell, from the first Ordnance Survey edition, 1840

Figure 2.3 Map of Castleconnell, from Ordnance Survey, 25 inch map, 1900

In later times, Castleconnell became the traditional territory of the Eoghanacht chieftains.  The O’ Brien’s of Thomond were resident in Castleconnell by 1174.  King John granted Castleconnell to William de Burgo in 1199, on condition that he build a fortified castle.  The structure at Castleconnell was one of the three earliest Norman Castles constructed in Co. Limerick.  It featured in many of the events in Irish history, the Bruce invasion(1315), The Desmond Rebellion(1569-1575), it was garrisoned by General Ireton in 1651 and it was garrisoned on behalf of James II in 1690 and 1691.  It was surrendered in 1691 and was blown up by order of General de Ginkell.

The religious site at Cloon and Commons is said to have been founded about 1300 possibly by the Augustinian Friars.  A small portion of this medieval building remains behind the current Church of Ireland Church, which dates to 1809.  In 1750, a Mass House was built in the village.  It remained in use until the current Catholic Church was built in 1839.

From circa 1750, Castleconnell became renowned for its Spa waters.  A dispensary was established in 1819 and by 1831, there were 178 houses in the village, many of which were modern villas and cottages.  There were also two good hotels, several lodging houses and a daily coach to Limerick.  From the middle of the 18th century, many large houses were built in the locality.  By the beginning of the 19th century, however, the popularity of the spa had declined and fishing took over as the main industry in the village.

In recent times the village has developed to the east beyond the railway line with the construction of a crèche and dwellings at Coolbawn Meadows.  The village has also continued to expand in a southerly direction with the Castlerock estate and additional housing under construction here presently.  Infill/backland development has also taken place in the village centre at Bruach na Sionna.

Castleconnell has a tightly concentrated village centre consisting of residential dwellings with some retail, commercial and public/institutional buildings.  The village has retained its 18th and 19th century character with traditional facades to the shops and pubs.  The village performs an important civic, trade/market and service function for the resident population and for the surrounding hinterlands.

Having regard to its historic importance, location in the metropolitan area and it’s quality connections via rail and road, the Limerick Development Plan promotes Castleconnell as a Level 3 settlement in the settlement hierarchy for Limerick, in terms of population growth.  Castleconnell is home to a network of residential estates and for it to fulfil its role as a level 3 settlement, the village requires consolidation of land use, investment in services, infrastructure, sustainable transport options, amenities and local employment balanced with supporting the existing residential, community and providing for additional housing growth.

The map below identifies existing hosing schemes currently in Castleconnell categorised by those taken in charge and those not.  The development of the village is mainly focused around the core of the village with good linkages to the Main Street.

Figure 2.4 Housing estates in Castleconnell

2.4        Strengths/Challenges/Opportunities/Threats

The SCOT Analysis is an analysis of the Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities and Threats that exist within Castleconnell. This assessment identifies both the key issues in Castleconnell and the opportunities that exist to address these issues. The SCOT Analysis has helped inform the overall development strategy for the Plan Area.