Funding approved for 14-storey building in Limerick

IT'S FULL steam ahead for the a new landmark 14-storey tower in Limerick city centre after Government gave funding approval for the structure.

The office building will form the main part of the Opera Centre development located at Patrick Street in the city centre.

When it's complete, the building will have around 900 spots for work, with the Revenue Commissioners expected to move across the road from Sarsfield House.

Construction is already well-advanced on the site. But despite securing planning permission in 2020, it's only now the Government has acted to provide funding for the central point of the project.

The four-acre Opera site will include commercial buildings, apartment living space, a new central library, a hotel, retail space and a public plaza.

Approval for the 14-storey building came from the Office of Public Works, which is working in partnership with Limerick Twenty Thirty, the council firm which is responsible for leading the €200m project.

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The flagship building is expected to be completed and ready for occupation in 2029.

There's been a widespread welcome from across Limerick following the news, including from Mayor of Limerick, John Moran.

"The announcement of the Government’s renewed commitment to advancing the Opera Centre project is a really important moment for Limerick," said Mayor Moran.

"This project dates back for me to 2014 when I worked on this at the EIB and at the Department of Finance.  I’m pleased to finally see this project unblocked and am looking forward to now helping drive delivery of the final building. 

"We’ve spoken of possibilities in Limerick for a long time. Now, with this decisive backing, we are acting on them. The Opera Centre represents the heart of a modern, confident Limerick - a city that leads, not follows. It is set to be a part of a key delivery area triangle - namely the Opera Centre, Arthur’s Quay and its future, and the Milk Market area.  Soon I hope to see the public realm plans for the Milk Market out for public consultation. 

"I was pleased to accompany the Minister for Housing to the Opera site recently and was struck by the clear progress that has already been made. With the Opera Centre, we are sending a clear signal: Limerick is ready to be a capital of progress and doing things differently in the Midwest region.

"I want to thank the Government for continuing to believe in Limerick and recognise the importance of balanced regional development. A special thanks to the team at Limerick 2030, at the OPW and our own officials at Limerick City and County Council for their persistence and diligence and to Minister O’Donnell for his own help to advance this as a priority for the last government.  To the people of Limerick - thank you for your patience, passion and belief. For a long time, you have been made promises. Now is the time for action and delivery," added Mayor Moran. 

Council priomh-chomhairleoir Dan McSweeney said: "This announcement marks a pivotal moment for our city. The Opera Square development is a visual testament to our commitment to revitalising Limerick and creating an exciting, sustainable urban environment. I look forward to watching this landmark building rising up alongside the nearly complete One Opera Square. It will reshape and reinvigorate this important and historical area of the city."

Former mayor James Collins, who chairs Limerick Twenty Thirty on an interim basis, said: "The OPW building is the landmark building and very much also pivotal for the entire Opera Square project, so we are delighted today that the cabinet has signed off on the OPW investment here. A huge amount of work has already been advanced at Opera Square, including our One Opera Square building which is nearing completion and going to be another key economic driver of Limerick. On top of that, the decision today on the OPW building gives not just the wider project but the Limerick region a huge boost."

Enda Power, the chief executive of Limerick Twenty Thirty added: "This is a massive moment for Limerick Twenty Thirty and the Opera Square project. We’re well underway on other works on the site but this 14-storey landmark building will accelerate momentum. We have already identified a preferred contractor for the project and expect to get work underway in late summer, with a two-year build phase. The building will also be ‘best-in-class’ in terms of sustainability, which is very much in keeping with Limerick’s ambition to be one of Europe’s most sustainable cities of the future."