TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology

SCENARIO 3: Back to the future (National scenario: THE FRAGILITY OF MÉ FÉIN)
The traditional lack of leadership and vision in the city has made it impossible for Limerick to
compete with other regions. Having failed to take advantage of significant NSS infrastructural
investment during 2002-2007, the city in 2010 is deteriorating rapidly. Major projects are put on
hold due to a lack of a unified planning and development framework. The city has failed to
absorb the burgeoning foreign workforce. City centre populations are in decline as suburbs
continue to sprawl and grow. The Inner city is left for the elderly and immigrant population.
Travel demand has almost doubled within and around the city, significantly increasing traffic
congestion in the urban core. Limerick is in desperate need of a high quality bus-based transport
system in the city, supported by park and ride facilities on the north and south of the river.
There is a strong potential for public transport to double its existing modal share in the City by
2030 but this is a complex project that requires an innovative and bold approach, using both
public and private sector finance to bring it to fruition. Questions arise as to whether Limerick
can meet the challenge. Prior attempts to develop cross city public transport corridors were
shelved owing largely to mismanagement.
The region suffers a further blow in 2012 as multinationals start pulling out due to rising labour
costs. Dell absconds to Poland, and the Americans go home. According to CSO figures published
in 2013 Limerick has one of the worst unemployment rates of the country.
Crime rates have risen, as gang warfare has edged its
way from the suburbs and into the city centre. Social
inequality and racial conflict are on the rise, as
immigrants have failed to integrate fully into society.
With no employment opportunities, and no prospects of
returning to their native land, resentment rises, as Irish
blue collar workers are in direct competition with the
immigrant population. Extreme nationalism surfaces
leading to a revival of Irish culture such as music,
languages, and traditional story telling. Sport becomes a
major player with the unveiling of the expanded
Thomond Park in 2015, having been delayed almost half
a decade.
Having hit rock bottom, Limerick City and County Council finally acknowledge the need for a
new system of governance to right the wrongs of the past three decades. Despite low levels of
funding from central government, the city begins a major infrastructural and cultural revamp.
By 2020, with the help of PPP investment, urban regeneration is well underway. High profile
architects with a vested interest in creating a vibrant city, collaborate with environmental
engineers to develop a vision for a sustainable city that balances urban and rural and that will
cater for changing lifestyles, a city where non-motorised modes of transport, such as walking
and cycling, are prioritised.
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