King’s Island Walled Town Framework receives THRIVE funding boost

King’s Island Walled Town Framework secures THRIVE funding, to renovate, refurbish, and adapt vacant and derelict heritage buildings in the area

Limerick secures funding to enhance the existing King’s Island Walled Town Framework through the THRIVE scheme

THRIVE, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme provides local authorities in Ireland with funding of up to 7 million to renovate, refurbish, and adapt vacant and derelict heritage buildings in town centres.

Local authorities will have an opportunity to apply for another tranche of capital funding under THRIVE Strand 2 in a follow-on funding call in Spring 2025 to renovate disused heritage buildings in cities, regional growth centres and key towns.

Heritage buildings under the scheme are classified as structures that form part of the architectural heritage and have unique architectural, historical, archaeological or artistic qualities, or are linked to the cultural and economic history of a place.

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This project will address specific objectives of the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028 which seek to implement a strategy for King’s Island, promote the development of key strategic sites on Nicholas Street and find new uses for underutilised sites which will promote employment and drive footfall.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran noted people had identified the need to begin a time-mapped restoration and reanimation of buildings on Nicholas Street “that will help bring that street and the surrounding heritage assets and public spaces to a more central position that they deserve in our city”.

He said, “The enhanced King’s Island Walled Town Framework aligns also with my personal commitments to deliver a more Liveable Limerick.”

At the core of this project is multidisciplinary engagement so that the project is community-led and as part of the enhancement of the framework, Limerick City nad County Council is calling on the public to have their say.

“So, whether you are a resident, a business owner, a member of a community group, someone who visits King’s Island or from the wider area, we want to hear from you at our engagement events, which will take place over the coming weeks and months,” they said.

Limerick City and County Council staff will be available to hear your views on the future of King’s Island and the enhancement of the King’s Island Walled Town Framework.

Discover Limerick DAC will also be present at the first public engagement event as they prepare a strategic masterplan for King John’s Castle.

The King John’s Castle Masterplan aims to increase the value of the Castle as a significant heritage site that will attract a larger diverse audience which will deliver cultural and economic benefits for both Limerick and the Wild Atlantic Way region.

The Masterplan will identify ways to strengthen the significance and visitor experience within the Castle and Castle Lane. It will also explore how to reconnect The Castle to the River Shannon and Medieval Walled Town / Nicholas Street.

The first Public Engagement Event takes place on Thursday, August 15 at Limerick City and County Council Headquarters in Merchant’s Quay from 2pm until 7pm