Plans to bring more activity, events and people into Limerick city centre deserve serious consideration. A more vibrant and attractive centre would benefit businesses, residents and visitors. The question facing the local business community is how that ambition can be delivered while protecting access, trade and confidence in the city.
As part of the public consultation on Activating August, Mayor John Moran and representatives of Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) met with Limerick Chamber staff and members. In conjunction with those discussions, the Chamber surveyed city centre members to understand the likely commercial impact of the proposals, the level of support for each location and the practical changes businesses wanted to see. The findings were then included in a formal submission to the Mayor and LCCC.
The Chamber has not adopted a blanket position for or against every proposed road closure. Views among members differ, as would be expected when individual businesses face different trading patterns, delivery requirements, customer needs and access arrangements. The Chamber’s responsibility is to represent those views accurately and fairly, and to ensure they influence how the programme is designed and delivered.
The survey shows support, but businesses are watching the detail
The location-by-location charts in the survey show that most respondents supported several proposals as presented.
- Steamboat Quay recorded 66% support as proposed, with 34% expecting a positive business impact and 13% expecting a negative one. Members also raised practical issues around security, fencing, toilets, cleanliness and signs confirming that businesses would remain open.
- Support as proposed reached 62% for Lower Glentworth Street. In that area, 33% anticipated a positive impact and 15% a negative impact. Members wanted more information on events, parking and how traffic would continue to move through the area.
- Nicholas Street received 61% support as proposed, while 24% expected a positive impact and 6% expected a negative one. Suggestions included considering longer-term activation and retaining traffic access.
- Back Lane and Honan’s Quay each received 55% support as proposed. Back Lane had the lowest expected negative impact in the survey at 3%, although 70% of respondents remained neutral about its likely effect on their business. At Honan’s Quay, 30% expected a positive impact, 15% expected a negative impact and 55% were neutral.
- The results for O’Connell Street and The Crescent require closer attention. While 54% supported the proposal as presented, 29% expected a negative impact on their business. A further 26% objected outright and 18% indicated that changes were needed. Among the suggestions were a partial rather than full closure, better public transport arrangements, limits on amplified noise, additional parking clarity and reopening the road before schools return.
- The Superblock Trial produced a similarly mixed result. It received 55% support as proposed, but 30% expected a negative business impact, 24% objected outright and 12% wanted changes. Respondents asked for clearer information about the likely impact, stronger communication and straightforward directions to available parking.
High levels of neutrality across several locations should not be mistaken for a lack of interest. They suggest that many businesses are not impacted or are reserving judgement until they see the programme of events, access arrangements and standard of delivery. LCCC has an opportunity to turn that cautious support into confidence, but it will depend on what happens before and during August.
The city must remain clearly open for business
The strongest message from members is the need for a coordinated public communications campaign.
Customers should not hear that roads are closed without also hearing that shops, offices, restaurants, hotels, services and attractions remain accessible. Maps should show alternative routes, parking locations, public transport options and pedestrian access. Businesses need clear arrangements for staff, suppliers, deliveries, taxis and loading.
Signage must do more than divert traffic away from a closure. It should actively direct people towards open businesses, available parking and accessible streets. The Chamber has asked LCCC to support this with traditional media, digital communications, social media updates and materials that businesses can share directly with customers.
Businesses need to know what is being delivered
Members are being asked to accept a period of disruption on the basis that Activating August will generate footfall and activity. That requires a clear and credible programme.
Businesses need details of the planned events, including dates, times, locations, target audiences and the reasons people will come into the city. Events should be scheduled when surrounding businesses are open and able to benefit equally. Excessive noise or amplification that interferes with trading should be agreed with affected businesses in advance.
Members also made the point that city activation does not always require a full road closure. Existing pedestrianised areas, parks and public spaces can be used for markets, seating, greening, lighting and cultural activity. Cruises Street, Bedford Row, Thomas Street, Arthur’s Quay Park and the People’s Park were among the locations raised by respondents.
Safety, security and cleanliness will also shape public and business confidence. Garda liaison, toilets, litter management, fencing and prompt cleaning need to be part of the operational plan rather than addressed after problems arise. A direct contact within LCCC should be available to affected businesses, with regular and practical updates before and during the activation.
Engagement must continue through delivery
The survey demonstrates that Limerick businesses are willing to engage constructively with plans for the city centre. Members have expressed support where they see potential, identified risks where disruption could damage trade and offered practical suggestions that can improve the programme.
LCCC now has clear evidence of where support exists and where further work is required. The next step is to reflect that evidence in the final arrangements.
The Chamber has also called for a transparent review after August, covering footfall, business performance, public response and lessons for future initiatives. This would provide a stronger basis for future city-centre activations and help rebuild confidence where concerns remain.
Activating August can make a positive contribution to Limerick city centre. Its success will be judged by the quality of the events, the ease of access, the level of additional footfall and the experience of the businesses operating around each location.
Limerick Chamber will continue to communicate with members and engage with the Mayor and LCCC. Businesses have provided detailed, balanced and useful feedback. That feedback now needs to be visible in the delivery.
