Local Economic and Community Plan for Limerick City and County 2023-2028

Hello

I would like to make a suggestion to the LECP

I’m a county Limerick emerging artist - currently there is little or no art studio space in the county of Limerick

The suggestion I am making would be to have an art studio where you would have an element of arts there in full time residency and also a space where emerging artists could possibly book a studio 1 or 2 days a week

This would allow emerging artists to meet with established artists to network and grow and also more artist would get use out of the studio space

The completion of the proposed M20 inter-urban motorway network in the Munster region will create
opportunities for growth for all industries in the ‘Atlantic Corridor’ and will ease congestion pressures on the
eastern side of the country. Without a satisfactory motorway link Cork, Limerick and indeed the entire South-West
cannot realise their full potential. Investment in this vital piece of infrastructure will enable the region to grow,
develop and create job opportunities. It will deliver on a better-balanced Ireland. It will improve the quality of life
for our future generations. There is an enormous national bene??t in consolidating the “Atlantic Corridor” as a
hugely attractive option for FDI. Improving accessibility into the south and mid-west region o??ers a wonderful opportunity for collaborative, cost e??ective possibilities between the cities along the Atlantic Corridor and between
the eastern and western sides of the country. The proposed scheme also provides Government with an
opportunity to take into account existing obstacles to social advancement and provide leadership with meaningful
solutions as outlined in this submission. In 2003, Carew Park Road was linked to the national roads network, but a
new slip road built in 2007 linked Childers Road to the national network. Although it was universally agreed at the
time that this would be a short-term arrangement, the completion of the Limerick Tunnel in July 2010 resulted in
this becoming permanent. This has left Limerick City South regeneration communities e??ectively cut o?? from the
national network. The Rosbrien Interchange (M7) in the southwest, in its current design, only allows for vehicular
tra??c coming from the west to access the Southill area. Inbound access from the south (M20) or east (M7) to
Southill is a crucial element of the regeneration process. This has severely restricted the viability and vitality of the
Southill area. Local movement is also restricted due to the cul-de-sac nature of existing developments. Three
existing bus routes currently serve the area. The Southill and Carew Park areas have been rendered invisible since,
as a result of the introduction of the new Rosbrien Interchange to facilitate the Limerick Tunnel.
Impact
Although originally residents in the area were opposed to an inbound access route because of potential increases
in tra??c volume, Carew Park and Southill have since became part of the Regeneration project which promotes the
inclusion of disadvantaged estates into the road network. It is well documented that physical exclusion and social
exclusion are interlinked according to the Fitzgerald Report[1], and despite multiple representations by many
stakeholders in Limerick over the past 10 years with the NRA to reverse the decision, no action has been
forthcoming. The Regeneration areas in Limerick City South are relatively well served in terms of distributor roads,
with Hyde Road and Prospect Hill, and the Roxborough Road, providing direct connections into the city centre from
Ballinacurra Weston and Southill respectively. However, these roads primarily serve through-tra??c rather than
provide good access for local residents and businesses. As a result of low level of connectivity from the distributor
roads,
• vehicular permeability area as a whole is poor.
• there is a tangible lack of developer/private sector interest or investment.
• lack of diversity of house type and tenure.
• Regeneration areas su??er from negative perceptions.
• various social and economic problems continue.
Separately, the lack of inbound access currently is having a detrimental e??ect on the economic viability and future
potential of the Limerick Enterprise Development Park and Roxboro (Thomond) Shopping Centre. Both these retail
parks play a signi??cant role in the community ecosystem, providing vital local employment, the provision of goods
and services to the community and businesses as well as accommodation via the Maldron Hotel. However vacant
units are now more and more visible due to a lack of two-way tra??c.
LEDP has made known its long-standing concerns over the years regarding the lack of inbound access, and
consistently made representations at every opportunity to relay solutions. As such, I attach a preliminary report
prepared in 2012 which LEDP contributed to and supported – ‘Limerick Southside Regeneration Area – M7 Junction’
outlining possible options to retro??t the junction which was one option among many under consideration at that
time, sadly without any further action or progress to date. This report presents proposals for an alternative layout
at Rosbrien Interchange (Option 2A) to provide improved connectivity to Limerick City for northbound tra??c on the
M20. Easy access to the centre of the Limerick City is clearly a major problem and again will be solved if the original
inbound access is reinstated. There is a dire and obvious need to thoroughly re-examine the increased tra??c loads
which will arrive at the Rosbrien Junction for incoming tra??c to Limerick City, particularly from the new M20 and
the addition of the N69 tra??c which will be re-routed onto the M20 from near Adare.

Opportunity
With a reinstatement of the inbound access from the south (M20),
• it will contribute to the delivery of the 2040 National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan
2018-2027, targeting population growth of 50% by 2040 for Limerick.
• it will contribute to the delivery of the strategic vision intended to guide the sustainable future growth of Limerick
in this Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028.
• Ballinacurra Weston and Southill will be reinvigorated as communities well located adjacent to Limerick city
centre, with potentially high levels of accessibility.
• The Southill area located immediately adjacent to the open countryside, o??ers possibilities to create a new urban
edge, and visual and physical connections into this hinterland.
• The strategic location and road infrastructure of Southill, represents a signifcant gateway location • for the city.
• The Southill Regeneration area possesses large areas of unused or under-used land where early development
can promote regeneration.

The above study identifies that 15–24-year-olds are most likely to report drug use and that Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) increases from one-in-five  to one-in-three among drinkers aged 15–24 years. The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2018  Growing Up in Ireland - ’98 cohort at 20 yrs  2018/19 outlines that in 1975, childhood obesity affected just 1% of children in Ireland According to the latest Growing Up in Ireland survey 20% of 17-to-18-year-olds are overweight and a further 8% are obese. 30% of young women likely to be overweight or obese compared to 25% of young men. These findings evidence the need for drug and alcohol supports for young people and a need for improved resources and facilities to encourage people to take part in healthy, active past-times. 

As part of our Strategic Planning 2023- 2027 process (https://limerickyouthservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Strategic-Plan-Consultation-Report-2022.pdf), LYS conducted focus group discussions with 111 young people across the city and county, interviews with young people and disseminated surveys to young people, volunteers and LYS staff .  Findings highlighted a need for youth work interventions addressing substance misuse, healthy eating and physical activity.

LYS supports the LECP statement: 'Based on surveys with children aged 10-17 years, children are less satisfied with the environment of their area - 60% of children in the Mid-West Region report that “there are good places in their area to spend free time” compared with 67% across all regions and 78% in the region with the highest satisfaction rates on this indicator (the South East region)'.

Consultations conducted with young people, stakeholders and LYS volunteers and staff, as part of LYS Strategic Plan 2023 - 2027, highlighted the existence of Unsafe community environments enabling access to drink and drugs for young people.  There is a need for increased access to community-based, safe, friendly, recreational youth spaces, particularly within communities experiencing high levels of deprivation.  Older young people participating in our consultations also highlighted the need for youth spaces which are not traditional youth clubs- a more updated approach to provision for older young people.

CSO 2016 figures identify:

• Population increases in Metropolitan inner-city district EDs, including Shannon A & B, John C (Athlunkard St./George’s Quay), Dock A (Upper Henry St./ Steamboat Quay), Custom House and Market (Upper Mulgrave St./Cathedral Place)   

• Increased urbanisation of the city.  

• Large populations in outer suburban Metropolitan EDs including Ballycumin, Ballysimon, Corbally, Annacotty, Coonagh/Caherdavin 

• Limerick Municipal EDs including Caherconlish West and Aughinish have seen population increases with large populations in EDs such as Adare South, Askeaton West, Croom, Abbeyfeale, Newcastle Urban, Newcastle Rural, Bruff , Bruree and Kilmallock. Very strong population increases in Adare, Castleconnell, Clarina and Ballyneety  

• The regeneration areas of Moyross, Southill and St Mary's Park have high young age dependency ratios. Some of the newer suburbs in the outer periphery of the city in the south-west also have high levels of dependency.

LYS agrees with the LECP statement: 'Involvement in cultural and creative projects gives community and voluntary groups and interest groups in society (e.g., young people) opportunities to work together. It can build community spirit and promote social inclusion'.

Findings from recent LYS strategic planning consultations highlighted the need for diverse recreational opportunities related to the arts, culture, outdoors/nature and play.  Young people outlined how there is often an emphasis on competitive sports to the neglect of other recreational areas and spaces.

LYS agrees with the LECP statement: 'Inclusive participation in the preparation of the LECP framework plan and implementation plans and reviews of implementation including consultations with groups that are not traditionally involved in such processes'.

LYS suggests that young people should be included in the preparation process of the LCEP Plan in line with our Strategic Plan 2023-2027 objective 'Enhance youth participation and voice in local and national structures and forums'.

Findings from consultations with young people, stakeholders, volunteers and staff as part of LYS Strategic Plan 2023-2025 highlighted the debilitating impacts of an over-emphasis on academic success on young people, and the need to engage young people who are disengaging from mainstream education,  LYS supports the development of  'Alternative Centres Of Education/Based Outside Of Mainstream Schools' as evidenced in a recent evaluation of Rethink Ireland's Education Fund (https://rethinkireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Education-Fund-Evaluation-Results.pdf).

This model would provide a unique alternative environment for education for children and young people who have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from mainstream education.  It would incorporate a one-to-one and small group learning environment with wraparound support and outreach service.  It would offer innovative and flexible online and blended learning for early school leavers.  It would emphasise holistic, as well as academic development. Personalised and online modalities of intervention would be provided to each student based on their needs, interests and abilities.  It would be accessible, city centre-based and rooted within the local community.

In line with LYS Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and the National Volunteering Strategy 2022 (https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/100239/8e18fb45-6e72-47f9-a1fb-7dcd59105c1a.pdf#page=null), we recommend support for volunteers and volunteering, with an emphasis on the provision of volunteer-led youth clubs.

LYS facilitates volunteer opportunities and support, both within LYS and across volunterr-led youth clubs.  Volunteers contribute towards improving the lives of young people and to strengthening communities and civil society.

Please note the following points regarding the LECP. Fáilte Ireland is currently working with Limerick City and County Council on tourism priorities for Limerick City and County to enable Limerick to fulfil its tourism potential. These projects and priorities are set out in the Limerick Wild Atlantic Way Gateway City Strategy which has been agreed with the Council. A copy of the plan has been forwarded to this address., 

Please note that Limerick is a 'Wild Atlantic Way Gateway City' not a Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way as in the draft report. Also Ballyhoura and a section of East Limerick now come under the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand. 

It is noted that there are information gaps within the Draft Socio-Economic Statement as the renewable energy potential of the Shannon Estuary and the potential of SFPC to transform into a national freight and logistics hub is not recognised.

Main Points

1. The vision for SFPC as outlined in its Masterplan ‘Shannon Foynes Vision 2041’and the ‘Vision 2041 Strategic Review 2022’, is to position the Port as a key economic driver by enhancing and leveraging its asset base to accommodate offshore and onshore investment within and adjacent to its harbour.
2. In its objective to support diversification, improved competitiveness and increase the number of jobs in the local economy, it is requested that the LECP also supports the implementation and delivery of the ‘Shannon Foynes Vision 2041’ and the ‘Vision 2041 Strategic Review 2022’
3. Limerick to Foynes Road,This is a crucial hinterland connection which is necessary to transform the Foynes terminal into a major national freight and logistics hub and should be identified as a proactive measure in the LECP to promote economic activity in the region.
4. The issue of grid capacity is an action that needs to be identified in the LECP

Details attached

Main Points:

1. Offshore floating windfarms - The objective is to create a marshalling port on the Shannon Estuary together with a value-added supply chain to facilitate the development of an Atlantic Offshore Renewable Energy hub.
2. Upskilling the workforce and attracting new talent to the region will be critical in underpinning this transformational change. The establishment of a regional / cross-regional energy cluster for industry/agency/academia collaboration to research, grow and market the offshore wind sector will be required. Such a measure, which needs to be implemented locally should be identified as an objective in the LECP.
3. Substantial supporting infrastructure such as housing and water capacity, to name some, will be required in the region. The LECP should include an objective to plan for supporting infrastructure.

Details attached 

Parish Projects:

1. Railway Bridges and Linesman Cottage
2. Update/Refurbish the Info Signs
3. Footpath Necessities
4. Canon Hayes Hall
5. Effin Creamery
6. Religious Sites  (Kilbreedy Graveyard,Holy Well 'Tobar Rí a Domhnaigh’)
7. Heritage Stone Wall
8. Waste Recycling Facility

The Regeneration Programme and associated Economic and Social Intervention Fund will finish in December 2023. In order to respond effectively to the social disadvantage and deprivation of these areas it essential that the social and economic programmes continue. To continue to address the consistent issues with social exclusion, low employment rates community centres require consistent, long term and secure funding. Working in partnership is a key aspect to address the inequalities of these communities – see the linked report here which identifies the key strategies community organisations in Southill will lead on to support the community of Southill - Stronger Together Report

At Southill Hub we intend to continue the development of the community of Southill via the work we do in a number of strands – we currently provide services that cover Youth Work, Family Support, Community Initiatives, volunteering opportunities, civic participation and leadership. The Southill Hub aims to focus on the social determinants of health by developing key areas of community members lives. In line with our Strategic Plan 2023-2026 the aim of our work is to support Southill to be a great place to grow up and grow old.  Ensuring that the access and participation in education, employment, quality housing and recreation facilities is supported and facilitated in the work we do. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of Southill Hub ensures that these community supports continue and works to address the ongoing and persistent disadvantage in these areas.

Please see our strategic plan attached below

The attached document is 6 pages and contains hyperlinks to supporting documentation.

In Summary

The following submission sets out the scale, depth and fundamental impact that agriculture, farming and farmers make to the rural county Limerick and to the wider urban hinterland. We submit that this role needs to be included as a critical part of a comprehensive Local Economic and Community Plan for Limerick City and County 2023-2028.

Key Points

Points 1 to 7 below set out the scale of farming and agriculture in County Limerick

• 5.000 farm families
• 7% of the national herd is farmed in Limerick.
• Agricultural output of at least €560 million at farm gate prices
• Wider economic multiplier impact of €1.2 billion
• At least 7000 off farm jobs are supported.