Millions announced to fund transformation of Limerick city site

MORE THAN €6.6 million in funding has been announced to transform the historic Fireplace site on Nicholas Street into a design and innovation hub.

This landmark project will see the regeneration of 35–39 Nicholas Street, incorporating the surviving medieval fireplace and historic fabric into a new educational and innovative design hub. 

The Forge Design Factory will provide space for artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and visitors, including studios, exhibition and retail areas, and a café/restaurant, with the aim of creating a vibrant destination at the heart of Limerick’s Medieval Quarter.

The project has already been granted planning permission, following approval by Limerick City and County Councillors earlier this year. 

There has also been positive engagement with the Kings Island Community throughout the process to date. 

This puts the project in a “strong position” to progress quickly, a spokesperson for the council said.

A total of €90 million in funding has been awarded to local authorities across Ireland through THRIVE, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne announced.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran welcomed the funding announced for Limerick, saying: “We have big plans for King’s Island. The revival of the Fireplace site is another spark to ignite a wider revival of Nicholas Street and our medieval quarter, along with plans for King John’s Castle, the Fashion Incubator and the TUS plans on Mary Street just announced.”

He continued: “The Forge Design Factory will breathe new life into one of our most historic streets. I want to thank the Government, ERDF and the Southern Regional Assembly for believing us about the importance of this project and allocating funding to it. With planning permission, councillor backing, positive public engagement, and funding secured we can forge ahead with this transformational development.”

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Príomh Comhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added: “The awarding of €6.5 million through THRIVE represents a major vote of confidence in Limerick City and County Council’s vision for Nicholas Street. 

“The councillors’ decision to grant planning permission was a critical step in unlocking this opportunity. The Forge Design Factory will attract talent, create opportunities for enterprise, and bring renewed energy into the Medieval Quarter.”

Director general of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly stated: “This is a very welcome funding announcement. The Forge Design Factory at the Fireplace site is an ambitious and forward-looking project that aligns with our broader plans for Limerick’s city centre. 

“By combining heritage conservation with innovation and design, this project will deliver real social, cultural, and economic benefits.”

Director of Planning, Environment and Place-Making at LCCC, Vincent Murray commented: “Nicholas Street is central to the story of Limerick, and this project represents an exciting opportunity to unlock its potential once again.”

He added: “I want to acknowledge our excellent team at Limerick City and County Council led by Maria Woods, senior planner, who have taken this project from its earliest concept stage through to design and preparation of a strong funding application under THRIVE. With planning permission already in place and funding secured we can move quickly to deliver an exciting development for Limerick.”

Co-funded by the Government of Ireland, THRIVE is supported through Ireland’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes to restore vacant or derelict heritage buildings in public ownership.

The aim of the programme is “revitalising urban centres, bringing valued heritage buildings back into use as community assets and delivering on New European Bauhaus and Town Centre First policies”.

Limerick City and County Council also acknowledged the support of the Southern Regional Assembly in administering the THRIVE program and for “providing strand one funding to local authorities for integrated urban strategies and project pipeline development”.