Revitalisation bid for empty retail units in Limerick city

A NEW lease of life is being sought for empty retail units throughout Limerick’s city centre while simultaneously accommodating small, local businesses.

In a move to address the issue of vacant retail units and support burgeoning local businesses, councillor Joe Leddin presented a motion at Limerick City and County Council’s November Metropolitan meeting.

The motion proposed engaging with owners of empty retail spaces to discuss the possibility of transforming them into pop-up shops for start-up enterprises and utilising their shop windows for festive Christmas displays.

Cllr Leddin highlighted the reasons for empty retail units throughout the city: “Some businesses have moved out [of the city] because landlords are looking for more in terms of commercial rents.”

The Labour councillor sees an opportunity to breathe new life into these spaces and enhance the vibrancy of the city’s shopping landscape.

Drawing inspiration from local markets, including Wickham Way and the Milk Market, Cllr Leddin noted: “There are a plethora of small start-up indigenous-type companies specialising in fashion, clothing, jewellery and food.”

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He expressed confidence that around the Christmas period, the footfall in these markets would inevitably surge. “Traders would welcome the opportunity of using empty retail units.

“It would give them a better sense of a presence and potentially increase their business in the run-up to Christmas,” he stated.

In response to Cllr Leddin’s motion, a statement by Gordon Daly, Director of Economic Development, Enterprise and Tourism, expressed gratitude for the proactive approach in addressing the issue of vacant retail units.

“There is ongoing engagement with the owners of empty retail units and all options are considered for reactivating the property including pop-up shops,” the response read.

Labour councillor, Conor Sheehan, seconded the motion, saying: “I think in particular, if you look at Cruises Street, since they welded up McDonald’s, it leaves a lot to be desired.”

The council are said to consider this motion as part of its “continued engagement with property owners of planning for Christmas 2024.”