10 Questions with Limerick podcast host Nigel Dugdale

Nigel Dugdale has recently begun hosting a new podcast called The Posterity Podcast

10 Questions with Limerick podcast host Nigel Dugdale

By I Love Limerick Correspondent Ann Mc Donald

Nigel with his dog Sammy

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Nigel Dugdale is a musical performer and is the owner of the popular Twitter account @limerickcitybiz. He started his account due to his desire to play a role in creating a liveable, attractive, and ambitious Limerick.  He has also recently started a podcast called ‘The Posterity Podcast’ with the Limerick Post newspaper.

What was your childhood like and where did you grow up?

I grew up in Castletroy. My childhood playground was the fields that now make up Castletroy College, Castletroy Shopping Centre, and the many housing developments that have sprung up out there over the past 20 years. 

It was a perfect childhood. I was very sporty and was particularly addicted to golf, playing every day morning to evening during the summer months. I also discovered performing from the age of 12 and that is one pastime that changed my life. 

Where does your passion for Limerick stem from?

I have always loved cities. I lived away for 14 years – in Dublin for college and then on to London. I also spent a year travelling the world as a singer with Cunard and got to explore so many waterside cities, big and small. When I returned home to Limerick I was struck by a city with so much potential but one that also seemed to play it safe in terms of its ambition. I love to share ideas for Limerick’s future. Some think I’m bonkers and at times ‘negative’ but I truly believe we can and should aim big. That requires leadership and constructive criticism.

What are your favourite places to go to in Limerick?

I live on King’s Island now and nothing makes me happier than a morning or evening stroll with my dog along the riverside or out the canal to UL. 

Over recent years I have explored old walkways along the river and other untapped areas. I think Limerick could be unique in its potential to create a series of linked routes along the river Shannon for hiking and promoting exploration of our natural resources.

What are some changes you’ve noticed in Limerick over the past few years?

I have been struck by the number of people who are now getting behind the idea of promoting Limerick city centre as a place to live. For too long we have continued to develop out of town residential areas to the detriment of the city centre. I am critical of new developments such as the Opera Project when they fail to have living at their heart. There seems to be a narrative coming from some of our leadership that says “work and shop in town but live elsewhere”. That has got to change if Limerick is to be an urban leader of the future.

Tell us a little about your new podcast, The Posterity Podcast?

I love the idea of oral history. Capturing voices of people and their dreams for Limerick, particularly at a time when so much opportunity is in our grasp. This podcast will capture people’s voices for posterity and I hope some of those dreams come true sooner rather than later.

Tell us all about your life in the theatre and performing?

I started out learning the trade with Expressive Arts Theatre School and then went on to study Drama and Theatre Studies at Trinity College. I did a postgraduate in Musical Theatre in Mountview Academy in London before heading off to sea with Cunard. Over recent months I have reignited this passion and hope to get back performing more in 2022. 

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

Making a name in Limerick as someone who has something to say. It hasn’t won me friends in certain circles. I have no skin in the game, so I say it as I see it. I think the days of “it’ll be grand” are over. The next decade will be crucial in terms of delivery. I want Limerick to be a place where we think big, think outside the box and ultimately become a city that attracts new residents whilst being kind to those who call it home already. 

Here we go!

In the first of my new Podcast series I chat with Eoin Devereux @ProfDevereux about growing up in the city, inclusion, regeneration and hopes for #limerick's future

Listen at link below https://t.co/r9qRHJPet9

— Nigel Dugdale ???️‍? (@limerickcitybiz) December 16, 2021

Do you have any other projects that you’re working on?

I want to explore the performing aspect of my life again. I’m always open to new things and enjoy diversity in terms of how I get by. I’m keen to continue being an advocate for the city centre and hope to develop this part of my life further over the coming year.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

Alive, healthy and content. I have learned lessons over recent years!

And lastly, what do you love most about Limerick?

The potential it has to be an attractive, thriving, and liveable place. Being part of that process, albeit from the outside looking in, is fun and engaging. I hope to look back on this time as one that shaped the future in a positive way. 

To listen to The Posterity Podcast from Nigel Dugdale on Spotify go HERE 

For more 10 Questions stories go HERE