Mayor attacks ‘reckless’ sale of dockland

AS the battle for the future of Limerick docks intensifies, the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Joe Leddin, yesterday called on the board of Shannon Foynes Port Company to suspend their plans to sell off part or all of Limerick docks.

The port company have launched a major media campaign setting out plans which the company says will transform the docks area into a massive commercial centre with the potential to create 1,000 jobs yielding €50 million a year into the local economy.

The docks cover 44 acres.

More than 12 property companies have expressed their interest in developing the area.

Mr Leddin has challenged the chief executive of Shannon Foynes Port Company, Brian Byrne, to state if he has the backing of his board to sell off Limerick docks.

He said the rush and speed by the management of Shannon Foynes Port Company to dispose of Limerick docks was frightening and ill-conceived.

He said: “Limerick docks belong to the people of Limerick, and the Shannon Foynes Port Company are charged with the responsibility to manage and develop the docks on behalf of Limerick people.”

He said there has been little or no consultation by the management of the port company with the elected members of Limerick City Council to date regarding how best to develop the docklands.

“In fact the port company are in open dispute and disagreement with their own customers namely the port users who have a different view in terms of the redevelopment of this area,” he said.

Mr Leddin said the development of Limerick docklands is critical to city’s continued growth.

“However the quick sell-off of prime sites to developers with no agreed local area plan in place for the entire Docklands area is premature and reckless. As mayor, I have a duty to the people of Limerick to ensure that proper planning and development takes place that will enhance and contribute to the economic, social, and cultural life of the city.”

He said the construction of the river tunnel crossing was agreed after many oral hearings and representations by the port company who opposed a bridge crossing so as not to impede ships using Limerick docks.

“The port company have other prime sites within the city that have no useful purpose in the management of Limerick docks, yet they remain and have done for years derelict and eyesore within the city. It is my understanding that the board of the port company have to date made no decision on the sell off or otherwise of their assets at Limerick dock, and these plans appear to me to be aspirational and premature.”

While he welcomed any initiative to create employment, Mr Leddin said any proposed development must take cognisance of both the City Development Plan and Local Area Plan.