Transformation of area may pave way for expansion of Limerick's Milk Market

THE COUNCIL is planning a massive transformation of the Market Quarter area of Limerick city centre.

The streets in and around the Milk Market are earmarked to become shared between both vehicles and pedestrians.

As a result, the space for motorised vehicles will be cut to at least just over 3.1m on each street, with the remainder dedicated to pedestrians.

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The pavement and the carriageway will be at the same level.

Raised table junctions will act as traffic calming measures.

Parking will be removed, with taxi ranks relocated.

Street furniture is also planned, including seated areas, trees, planting and bike stands.

The planned reforms could see outdoor casual trading spaces and outdoor dining.

Overhead wires will be relocated underground in a bid to declutter the streetscape, council has said.

And new signage and paving will be put in place to reflect the area’s history and built heritage.

The streets which will become shared surfaces are Robert Street, Cornmarket Row, Carr Street, High Street, alongside parts of Denmark Street, Ellen Street, Mungret Court and Mungret Street.

Cruises Street plus two streets feeding into it, Todd’s Bow and Chapel Street are already pedestrianised, but will undergo improvement.

Market Alley Lane, which connects Denmark Street to Little Ellen Street, will be improved, as well as Michael Street. High Street and Back Lane, which feeds into it, will see shared surfaces under the plan.

Council says the aim of the changes is to ensure the Milk Market and its quarter remain a key location for both locals and tourists, as well as improving safety, accessibility and footfall in Limerick’s urban area.

It could pave the way for a potential expansion of the Milk Market into the future, the local authority added.

Since the development is planned for public land, it will be the role of councillors to approve, reject or amend the changes.

Members of the public can view the plans and have their say between now and Monday, June 23.

For more information and to have your say, click here. 

Council priomh-chomhairleoir Dan McSweeney has said: “This is a positive step forward for a vital piece of urban renewal in our city centre.” He said he hopes lessons are taken though, from the first phase of the O’Connell Street redevelopment.