7.0 | HousingandRegeneration 7.1 | HousingandRegeneration intheMASP
Chapter 3 of the RSES sets out the framework to increase residential density in our cities and larger towns through a range of measures including reductions in vacancy, re-use of existing buildings, infill and site-based regeneration. The MASP supports a sequential approach to development with a primary focus on the consolidation of sites within or contiguous to the existing built up and zoned area of Limerick City and Suburbs, supported by Shannon. Limerick City is one of the most affordable urban areas in Ireland to both rent and buy residential property. Coupled with higher disposable incomes than the national average, this is key competitive advantage for attracting people and investment. The MASP recognises the progression of sustainable development areas for housing in Mungret and Castletroy. Limerick 2030 Designated Activity Company are preparing a Masterplan of a 42-hectare residential site at Mungret Park. The site comprises 26 hectares of lands owned by Limerick City and County Council in Mungret, including the former Mungret College and associated buildings. Mungret is a zoned urban extension of Limerick City under the Southern Environs Local Area Plan. The site has obtained funding through the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) for
a distributor road, which will unlock substantial lands within public and private ownership and trigger the development of additional residential sites, supporting community and employment uses. The MASP supports the provision of sustainable transport options to and from the City Centre and nearby amenities and employment. Shannon attracts a daytime working population of approximately 18,000 people per day however its population growth rate remains stagnant. The interdependence between Shannon as a residential area and its employment assets – Shannon Free-Zone and Shannon International Airport - have weakened to the detriment of Shannon. The challenge for Shannon is to transform into a dynamic, vibrant place to live. Opportunities exist to create a new image that is fresh and welcoming, and capitalises on the existing strengths and assets of Shannon. This should be pursued through placemaking, including improving the quality and sense of place in the town centre. The development of an Action Area Plan for Shannon Town Centre to create a sustainable urban centre and a sense of focus would be a positive initiative. Consideration should be given to initiatives to encourage regeneration of existing residential areas. Local authorities, through their land use plans, will identify metropolitan settlements that have the capacity to achieve higher residential densities in tandem with the provision of public transport, infrastructure and services. This should be consistent with the RSES and the guiding principles, objectives and goals of the MASP.
Table 2 | Mungret
Mungret
Start Date
Procurement of Masterplan / Development Appraisal services commenced Q1 2018
Estimated yield
Potential of 2,000 housing units on all of the residential zoned lands
Stakeholders
Limerick City and County Council / Limerick 2030 /LIHAF
Current Project Status
Progressing Masterplan
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
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