Limerick 'superblock' street trial to entice footfall and community activity

A wide area of Georgian Limerick is to be designated as a “superblock”, which means low-impact traffic measures will be introduced to prioritise local access while reducing through-traffic.

Limerick city streets will be “trialled” as “superblocks” to facilitate summer activities and increase footfall in the city, its mayor has said.

John Moran hared a programme of summer initiatives intended to transform the city through transport planning trials, cultural activation, and enhanced public spaces.

A wide area of Georgian Limerick is to be designated as a “superblock”, which means low-impact traffic measures will be introduced to prioritise local access while reducing through-traffic.

The initiative aims to test how more people-focused streets could support a “more vibrant and accessible” city centre by trialling Sunday-only transport planning throughout July and August.

The measures are designed to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, as well as local access.

Building on these transport trials, August will see an expanded programme of activity, with temporary pedestrianisation, greening initiatives and a wide range of family-friendly events.

A grant call will be made available to enable community-led events.

In Georgian Limerick, Barrington Street and Roches Street (including Catherine Street, Dominic Street and Cecil Street) are to be designated as “superblocks”.

'Urban beach experience'

Mr Moran also announced an urban beach experience will be part of the summer activities and located at Steamboat Quay.

It is understood that several other streets could be closed for the entirety of August to facilitate the activities. These streets would include Honan’s Quay, The Crescent, as well as lower Glentworth Street.

During the road closures, diversions will be fully signposted, and pedestrians and emergency services will still have access.

Further details on specific events, traffic arrangements, and opportunities to get involved will be announced in the coming weeks.

Past resistance

Last year, Mr Moran faced backlash after announcing plans to close the Crescent area at the top of O’Connell Street to facilitate summer activities.

He had admitted the plans were not “good value for money” after facing criticism from local traders. At the time, Mr Moran said the more “responsible choice” was to “step back and reassess how we might deliver different and better in future years”.

In 2024, the August Animations initiative was introduced as a pilot to see Limerick streets “come alive”.

The same year, the move to close down the Crescent area sparked mixed reactions from the public, after an artificial beach was set up and events took place throughout August.

Mr Moran has compared his summer plans to similar initiatives across Europe, in cities such as Milan and Amsterdam, which “have shown how temporary changes to streets and public spaces can support stronger local identity” and increased footfall.

He said: “This is about showing what Limerick can become. By trialling new ways of using our streets—prioritising people, supporting local businesses, and creating space for culture and community—we are taking an important step toward a more vibrant and liveable city centre."

According to Mr Moran, the “Sunday Superblock trials” in July and the Summer in the City programme in August will give people the opportunity to experience a “different Limerick”.

He added that the local council is working closely with local businesses, residents, transport providers and community groups to support the rollout of the initiatives, with “clear communication and phased implementation” planned throughout the summer period.