Company behind Qatar World Cup stadium tasked with upgrade to Limerick's Market Quarter

THE IRISH arm of an engineering giant involved in designing the world’s first modular sport stadium has been appointed to lead the re-development of the city centre’s Market Quarter.

It’s a case of from Qatar to Cruises Street for Egis Engineering. They put together a collective to design the 974 Stadium in Qatar for that country’s World Cup in 2022.

Created out of 974 recycled shipping containers, it was designed to be dismantled after that tournament with its contents being re-used elsewhere.

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Now, Egis Engineering Ireland is being charged with designing and developing streetscapes and public areas in the city’s ancient Market Quarter.

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

As a result, the space for motorised vehicles will be cut to just over three metres on each street, with the remainder dedicated to walkers.

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.

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 alongside two streets feeding into 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 will Michael Street.

High Street and Back Lane which feeds into it, will see shared surfaces under the proposals.

The project is being delivered by council’s place-making department and is being funded by the Urban Regeneration Development Fund, plus the National Transport Authority.

Mayor John Moran, who hopes to develop hundreds of modular homes to solve Limerick’s housing crisis said: “The signing of this contract is a clear signal of Limerick’s ambition. This is a project that I have been happy to have been involved in as it has progressed to this point. The vision for the Market Quarter and Cruises Street will reshape the heart of our city.”

Council príomh-chomhairleoir Catherine Slattery, added: “The signing of this contract marks a major step forward in transforming the Market Quarter and Cruises Street into a vibrant and welcoming space. This project will enhance the heart of Limerick City, creating a public realm that reflects our ambition and energy.”

Council director general Dr Pat Daly added of Egis Engineering Ireland that: “Their expertise will ensure that the design reflects both the heritage and future aspirations for a more prosperous and liveable Limerick, for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”