Appointment made for key development project in Limerick

LIMERICK City and County Council has hired engineering firm Arup to plan, design and oversee the delivery of important infrastructure projects in the Colbert Quarter.

The appointment was formally marked at a contract signing attended by Mayor John Moran and representatives of the local authority and Arup, which has its Limerick offices at Hartstonge Street in the city centre.

Arup will provide project management, planning, design and engineering services across a rolling programme of infrastructure packages.

These will include new roads, walking and cycling routes, a public park, sports and recreation facilities, public spaces, utilities, urban drainage systems, and pedestrian and cycling connections.

The infrastructure will support the future development of the wider Colbert Quarter, helping to unlock land for new housing, investment and economic activity while improving connections between established communities, public transport and future development areas.

Arup as lead technical consultant will be supported by Hawkins/Brown Architects and John Spain Associates. The appointment represents a significant milestone in moving the Colbert Quarter programme from long-term vision to the detailed planning and design of the infrastructure required to support its delivery.

Mayor Moran said: “Colbert Quarter is a chance to build a whole new part of Limerick, and to get it right from the get-go. It will bring new homes, but also a major park at its heart, safe routes to walk and cycle, and the sports facilities and public spaces that build real community. Appointing Arup means the plans now move towards boots on the ground.”

Príomh-chomhairleoir, Cllr Tom Ruddle, added: “The ambition for Colbert Quarter is significant. It is about creating a new, well-connected part of Limerick that combines homes with high-quality public spaces, parks, sporting facilities and sustainable transport links. This appointment is an important step towards delivering the infrastructure needed to support that ambition.”

Director general of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, said: “Developing this enabling infrastructure is essential to unlocking the wider potential of Colbert Quarter. The work will be advanced through a rolling programme of packages, aligned with the availability of capital funding and the required planning and approval processes.”

Ireland country leader at Arup, Donal McDaid, concluded: “Arup is proud to be leading such an important regeneration project for Limerick. Colbert Quarter represents a significant opportunity to create a vibrant, connected and sustainable part of the city, delivering a lasting positive legacy for Limerick and its communities. We look forward to working closely with Limerick City and County Council and our project partners to help bring that ambition to life.”

The long-term plan for the Colbert Quarter was set out in a 20-year framework covering the period 2022 to 2042. Developed by Limerick City and County Council in partnership with the Land Development Agency, CIÉ and the HSE, it envisages a new urban neighbourhood with homes, public spaces, green areas and improved walking and cycling links.

One of the major projects planned is a new park for the Colbert Quarter, which will include recreational facilities, walking and cycling routes, and measures to improve biodiversity and manage rainwater.

The wider infrastructure programme will be divided into approximately 12 separate projects. The timing of these works will depend on planning and other statutory approvals, as well as the availability of further funding.

The programme is being supported by funding from the Housing Activation Office, the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund and the Land Development Agency.

The Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund provides financial support for urban regeneration and sustainable development projects. It replaces the former Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.