An application for the development of a new town on the Clare/Limerick border has been lodged with Government.
The University of Limerick and Clare County Council have jointly applied to the Government to designate lands adjoining the north campus of the University as an Economic Strategic Development Zone.
Elected members of Clare County Council unanimously agreed last month to formally seek the designation of the University of Limerick – Clare Campus lands as an Strategic Development Zone.
The President of UL, Professor Kerstin Mey and Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling have now formally written to Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien to seek that designation.
It’s hoped it will enable a future expansion of the north campus at the University into County Clare, with the aim of establishing UL as a European Centre of Excellence in dual education, advanced research with industry and knowledge exchange.
Designating the land as an Economic SDZ would enable the site to generate more than 3,500 jobs, with additional employment generated in the construction phase and subsequent spin-off developments.
While, economic forcasts suggest the site could generate an additional 1.7 billion euro for the Irish economy each year.
The Housing Minister will now consult with Limerick City and County Council, residents and other interested parties before making any decision.
If the development is given the green light, a two-year consultation will take place with landowners and stakeholders with a view to developing a masterplan that UL say will be beneficial to the institution, Clare, Limerick and the Mid-West region as a whole.
A decision is expected later this year.
