TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology

The completion of the Orbital route, linking employment, residential and educational facilities,
meant the former derelict upper reaches of the Shannon are no longer isolated as city regions
extend their boundaries, bringing shops, libraries and entertainment to more rural areas. Could
Limerick be going back to the future?
The renewable energy sector has grown rapidly. Citizens are increasingly more resource
conscious and environmentally aware. Overall, renewables produced 16% of energy in the Mid
West region by 2025. Hydropower is generally accepted as the main source of energy, combined
with wind, biomass and solar. By 2035 the general consensus is that while alternate energy
sources will mitigate the problems, they will never be able to replace oil and gas. Nevertheless,
solar and wind slowly grow in importance as energy sources, while the use of bio fuel grows
exponentially. It is this group of technologies that take off in the coming decades, making
renewables a significant and potentially majority share of Ireland’s energy.
Over the next 5 years Limerick Council focuses on expanding the commercial core within the
city centre. A policy of controlled suburban development is closely adhered to in an attempt to
restore Limerick city into a dynamic thriving city centre. Development of Arthur’s Quay, the
creation of interesting apartment complexes and the multicultural atmosphere of the riverfront
cafés and pubs in Limerick’s docklands begins renewed interest in the city as a prime residential
location. By 2030 Limerick is showing signs of recovery.
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