Limerick City and County Council has welcomed the package, which includes €9 million for the Nicholas Street Public Realm Scheme, €7.5 million for the Bank Place & Granary Courtyard Public Realm and Central Plaza Common Area at Opera Square, and €6 million for the Southside Connectivity Project.

Together, the three city projects represent €22.5 million of investment, with a further €450,000 to advance planning and design for the proposed Limerick Fashion Incubator, public realm works in Newcastle West, and a future municipal sports facility in the Colbert Quarter.

The allocations were announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, as part of a €409 million national programme backing almost 120 regeneration projects across every local authority in the State.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, welcomed the investment: “I welcome these funding allocations which will help to address some longstanding challenges across Limerick. From renewal of the medieval heart of the city around Nicholas Street and new civic spaces taking shape at the Opera Site, to stronger connections across the south side and vital cultural, sporting and town centre projects, this funding will support bricks and mortar upgrades in some of the areas that need them most.

“This investment gives us an opportunity to double down on the momentum building across the city and county. The test now is turning this allocation into visible change on the ground. I will continue to push to keep Limerick high on the Government’s agenda and secure the backing needed to deliver for our county.”

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Tom Ruddle, said the funded projects will be transformative: "This funding is a significant vote of confidence in Limerick and in the vision being delivered through regeneration projects across our city and county. These investments will enhance our public spaces, strengthen communities, support local businesses and help create vibrant town and city centres that will benefit residents and visitors alike."

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Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, said the investment will accelerate key initiatives: "These allocations will have a positive impact across Limerick and will help realise our shared vision for a thriving and connected city and county. We look forward to working with Government and our stakeholders to bring these projects forward and ensure they deliver real and tangible outcomes for the people of Limerick."

Project breakdown:

- Nicholas Street Public Realm Scheme (Funding: €9 million)

The largest single award will deliver a substantial upgrade of Nicholas Street, with new paving, lighting, street furniture and accessibility features to enhance the public realm, elevate the visitor experience and advance the regeneration of the Medieval Quarter. It complements a growing programme in the area, including the proposed Limerick Fashion Incubator at Mary Street, the Forge Design Factory at the historic Fireplace Site, and wider initiatives across King’s Island, to create a lively, economically active quarter celebrating local heritage and culture.

- Bank Place & Granary Courtyard Public Realm and Central Plaza Common Area (Funding: €7.5 million)

As part of the Opera Square development, this scheme will deliver high-quality public spaces at Bank Place and Granary Courtyard and create a central civic plaza. The works will improve connectivity throughout the city centre and support one of Ireland’s most significant urban regeneration projects.

- Southside Connectivity Project (Funding: €6 million)

This project will introduce enhanced walking and cycling routes, upgrade public realm infrastructure and provide safer links between neighbourhoods, schools, services and amenities. It is designed to boost accessibility and strengthen connections between the Southill regeneration community and key destinations across the area.

Limerick Fashion Incubator (Funding: €150,000)

Seed funding will progress design and planning for the proposed incubator at the former Mary Street Garda Station, aiming to honour Limerick’s fashion heritage and foster opportunities for emerging designers and creative industries.

- Newcastle West Town Centre Public Realm Enhancement (Funding: €150,000)

This allocation will advance plans for future streetscape and public realm improvements to support the town centre’s regeneration and vibrancy, enhancing Newcastle West as a place to live, work, shop and visit.

- SIW 4 Municipal Sports Facility, Prospect/Hyde Road (Funding: €150,000)

Funding will further develop proposals for a municipal sports facility within the Colbert Quarter regeneration area, laying the groundwork for future community and recreation infrastructure in a key growth location.

The Council will now work with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to move the approved projects through design, planning and delivery.