Limerick city centre has lost nearly one in five shoppers in just four years, according to a front-page investigation published today in the 19th edition of Limerick Voice.
The award-winning newspaper, produced by final-year journalism students at University of Limerick, features 56 stories across news, sport and features and was launched on Wednesday at University of Limerick.
The newspaper, which is available free with this weekend’s Limerick Leader newspaper, includes exclusive reporting on declining city centre footfall and the growing issue of youth drug use.
Reporters Marina Sánchez Díaz and Olivia O’Dwyer analysed footfall data and spoke to local businesses to examine the sharp drop in shoppers and what it means for the future of the city centre.
In a separate exclusive, reporters Shauna O’Mahony, Jennifer Keating and Siobhan Rogan spoke with the Community Substance Misuse Team (CSMT), a day service for under-18s operating across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary. The service revealed that children as young as 13 are accessing and sourcing cocaine through social media platforms, highlighting the scale of Ireland’s escalating drug crisis.
Celebrating Local Voices and Resilience
Beyond the headlines, this year’s edition highlights stories of innovation, resilience and community impact.
The features section celebrates women across a range of industries, including entrepreneur Nell Stritch of Pressed Flowers by Nell and UL graduate Leah Shanahan, creator of the world’s first fully accessible pregnancy test.
The publication also tells the powerful stories of two Gaza survivors who have rebuilt their lives in Limerick after fleeing war and hardship.
Speaking at the launch of the newspaper Editor-in-Chief Conor Curran said:
“This year’s edition of Limerick Voice examines the challenges facing Limerick city – from business closures and ongoing pressures at UHL to the everyday struggles experienced by people across the region. Our front-page story on the significant drop in city centre footfall reflects that reality. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the people and livelihoods behind them. Through our news, features and sports coverage, we remain true to our mission: ‘Where Limerick is Heard’.”
Strong Year for Sport
The sports section highlights the talent and determination within Limerick sport, including University of Limerick’s success in the Sigerson Cup and the retirement of Limerick hurling star Declan Hannon.
Sports Editor Andrew Moynihan said:
“It has been a fantastic year for the Limerick Voice sports team, and I believe that is reflected in our coverage. We hope readers enjoy what is on offer, as much as we enjoyed producing it.”
Additional stories include an exclusive interview with Laurie Ryan on balancing motherhood with a management role at Treaty United, and preparations at Ballyneety Golf Club ahead of the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup.
Kathryn Hayes, Associate Professor in Journalism and Digital Communications at University of Limerick, who oversees the multimedia project each year, said the initiative provides invaluable hands-on experience.
“Working on the Limerick Voice multimedia news project gives our students first-hand experience of producing journalism with real social impact and prepares them for the world of work.”
“We are extremely proud at how this award winning news platform has become an integral part of journalism education in UL.”
This year’s edition of Limerick Voice multimedia project has been in production sinceSeptember 2025, showcasing the work of final-year and MA journalism students committed to telling the stories that matter across Limerick and beyond.
Limerick Voice multi media project in Numbers:
33 final-year student reporters
56 stories in print
286 stories published online
85,300 Instagram accounts reached in the past 90 days (a 93.6% increase)
675,394 views across all social media platforms since October
Limerick Voice 2025/26 Launch. Photo Credit: Alan Place and Chidera Okeke.