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Limerick Regeneration Plan Positively Impacting Communities Limerick Regeneration Plan Positively Impacting Communities

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Limerick Regeneration Plan Positively Impacting Communities

Limerick Regeneration Plan Positively Impacting Communities

Limerick Regeneration Plan Positively Impacting Communities.
Pictured: Kieran Ryan, Maria Byrne and Keith Wood at the plan launch.
Picture courtesy: Sean Curtin Photo.

A review of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan (LRFIP) has found that the significant amount of work being carried out in the four regeneration areas across Limerick city is positively impacting the communities.

The comprehensive review covered the two years since the LRFIP was adopted by councillors in February 2014, and is divided into the three pillars – social, economic and physical. (Social Pillar review covers 2012 to 2014)


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Headline figures show:

  • More than 300 jobs have been created as a direct result of Limerick Regeneration funding
  • €12.2 million total employment income impact in 2015 up over a quarter on 2014
  • 16,871 participants in support services across 47 projects.  56% were under 17 years in 2014
  • Increased attendance at school and other services and higher numbers from DEIS schools progressing to further level
  • Increased numbers using services at local community hubs
  • Almost 50 per cent of new build homes either completed or at design stage
  • Two thirds of 1,500 homes earmarked for thermal upgrading either completed or plans in place
  • Safer communities working in partnership with communities, policing and CCTV.  Youth crime decreased significantly
  • 30 projects increasing connectivity to the wider community.
Limerick Regeneration Plan Positively Impacting Communities

Limerick Regeneration Plan Positively Impacting Communities.
Pictured: Minister Simon Coveney meeting residents while visiting Watergate flats, Limerick City.
Picture: Cathal Noonan True Media

The pillar reviews were carried out by Dr Eileen Humphreys, University of Limerick (Social Pillar); Mark O’Connell, W2 Consulting (Economic Pillar), while the Physical Pillar was reviewed internally by Limerick City and County Council.
The guiding principle underpinning all the work being carried out is the vision statement of the LRFIP.  That is to create “safe and sustainable communities of opportunity where people of all ages enjoy a good quality of life, a decent home and a sense pride about their place.  Well serviced and attractive neighbourhoods will be physically connected and fully integrated with the social, economic and cultural life of Limerick.”

The review has found that there is a very high level of co-operation between all the various public sector organisations and agencies, all working together, to deliver the programmes, with community involvement increasing as the programmes bed in.

Launching the review Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Simon Coveney said: “I’m happy that I was able to attend the launch of the review of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan.  The challenges we face in the area of housing include not just developing new supply, but also tackling legacy issues from a time when housing delivery perhaps focused more on quantity over quality.”

“This review shows that good progress is now being made in tackling such issues for the regeneration areas of Limerick city.  Much work remains to be done, but in the two years since the Implementation Plan was launched, notable progress has been made in the physical regeneration and I’m particularly delighted to see first-hand, the investment being made in the social regeneration, including the involvement of residents which underpins this work.”

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon said: “I’m delighted there has been significant work done across the four regeneration areas in Limerick.  While you always like to see things move more quickly, what has been achieved is very welcome.”

A series of recommendations have been made across all three pillars.

They include continued support and development of Community Enterprise Centres as Community Hubs, enhanced community involvement and maintenance of safety within areas, focus on reducing youth unemployment, target specific skills development, increase private sector involvement, progress the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road and M7/ M20/ N18 access into Southill.

Limerick Regeneration Plan Positively Impacting Communities

Limerick Regeneration Plan Positively Impacting Communities. Pictured: Launch of Review of LRFIP at Innovation Hub, LEDP, Roxboro.
Picture courtesy: Cathal Noonan True Media

Conn Murray, Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council said: “Two years into the adopted plan, it is encouraging to see what has been delivered but also to consider the work that’s underway on the next wave of transformation.  There is still a considerable journey to travel.”

“The physical regeneration programme has accelerated since the launch of the LRFIP.  This momentum must be sustained to complete the rebuilding programme.”

Carmel Kirby, Director of Social Development with Limerick City and County Council said: “the work being carried out by the frontline service providers with the community is paying off.  I will ensure that the council is committed to delivering the next steps of the LRFIP.”

Fr Pat Hogan, community representative who is based in Southill said: “I am happy with the progress being made.  It’s important to recognise the very long way we have come.  The situation on the ground in the communities is that they have become a lot quieter, progress has been made but there is still an awful lot more work to be done.  This revolves around the communities themselves, families and children.  We are heading in the right direction and there are very good people involved in the project.”

For more on the review of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan click here 

For more information on the regeneration plan in Limerick click here

To contact limerick city and county council click here

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.