The appointment marks a significant step forward for the regeneration project, with major investments planned in parks, transport links, sports amenities and public spaces.
LIMERICK City and County Council (LCCC) has appointed international engineering firm Arup to lead the project management, design and engineering of key infrastructure projects within the Colbert Quarter regeneration programme.
The appointment was formally marked at a contract signing attended by the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran and representatives from LCCC and Arup.
Arup will provide planning, design and engineering services across approximately 12 infrastructure packages, supported by Hawkins\Brown Architects and John Spain Associates.
New facilities and improved connections planned
The planned infrastructure includes new roads, walking and cycling routes, a major public park, sports and recreation facilities, public spaces, utilities and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
The works aim to unlock land for new housing, investment and economic activity while improving connections between existing communities, public transport and future development areas.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran welcomed the progress, highlighting the opportunity to create a new part of the city that combines housing with public spaces and community facilities.
He said, “Colbert Quarter is a chance to build a whole new part of Limerick, and to get it right from the get-go. It will bring new homes, but also a major park at its heart, safe routes to walk and cycle, and the sports facilities and public spaces that build real community. Appointing Arup means the plans now move towards boots on the ground.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Councillor Tom Ruddle, also welcomed the appointment, saying:
“The ambition for Colbert Quarter is significant. It is about creating a new, well-connected part of Limerick that combines homes with high-quality public spaces, parks, sporting facilities and sustainable transport links.”
Colbert Quarter Park among key projects
One of the main projects is the proposed Colbert Quarter Park and Sustainable Urban Drainage scheme, which will include green spaces, walking and cycling routes, recreation facilities and biodiversity enhancements.
The long-term vision for the area is set out in the Colbert Quarter Spatial Framework 2022–2042, prepared for LCCC in partnership with the Land Development Agency, CIÉ and the HSE.
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, said:
“Developing this enabling infrastructure is essential to unlocking the wider potential of Colbert Quarter. The work will be advanced through a rolling programme of packages, aligned with the availability of capital funding and the required planning and approval processes.”
Works to progress in phases
Ireland Country Leader at Arup, Donal McDaid, said:
“Arup is proud to be leading such an important regeneration project for Limerick. Colbert Quarter represents a significant opportunity to create a vibrant, connected and sustainable part of the city, delivering a lasting positive legacy for Limerick and its communities.”
The infrastructure programme will be delivered in phases, subject to statutory approvals and the availability of further capital funding.
It is being supported by the Housing Activation Office, the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund and the Land Development Agency.
The appointment of Arup marks another step towards the long-term regeneration of Colbert Quarter, with the planned infrastructure intended to lay the foundations for new homes, community facilities and improved public spaces in Limerick city.