Wheels in motion for €80m investment in Munster logistics' parks

Two separate industrial and logistics parks are planned for Mitchelstown, Co Cork and Dock Road, Limerick

The 5.5ha site earmarked for City Business Park, on Limerick's Dock Road. It's the first speculative industrial scheme in the city in 20 years.

A COMBINED investment of approximately €80m across two major industrial and logistics developments in Cork and Limerick is set to boost Munster’s profile as a key national distribution hub.

The launch of City Business Park on Limerick’s Dock Rd marks a major milestone for the Treaty City as the first speculative industrial scheme in 20 years. The decision to build the park is both a vote of confidence in the region as well as a response to a lack of best-in-class stock in the market, according to Cooper Developments, a long-established Limerick-based company, who are financing the €35m-€40m project using in-house funding.

The 5.5ha site earmarked for City Business Park, on Limerick's Dock Road. 

Meanwhile, Ireland South Logistics Park in Mitchelstown, Co Cork will see €40m invested in the first phase of development by the Dublin-based Sandymark group, headed up by founder and managing director West Cork man Con McCarthy.

Computer generated image of the phase one units at Ireland South Logistics Park, Mitchelstown, Co Cork

Mr McCarthy told the Irish Examiner that they had been on the lookout for land “down that direction” for some time.

“It’s not easy to find the land we need around the city but we noticed this block near Mitchelstown, in a good strategic position,” he said, noting that it’s adjacent to Aldi’s regional distribution centre “and they didn’t land there by accident”.

Together, the two parks demonstrate a clear shift towards high-quality, future-proofed, strategically located industrial space across regional locations.

Construction is expected to commence shortly on the Mitchelstown development — 2km north of Mitchelstown town centre, with immediate access to Junction 12 of the M8 motorway — with practical completion targeted for the second half of 2027. The timeframe is similar for the Dock Rd project — the first units are scheduled for delivery in Q3 2027, and will range in size from 17,000-50,000sq ft. The Dock Rd itself is part of the Limerick Docklands regeneration programme, which aims to transform 110 acres along the Dock Rd and River Shannon into a dynamic economic hub.

Cooper Developments — who own the 5.5ha (13.5a) earmarked for City Business Park — are aiming to deliver a state-of-the-art logistics and warehousing scheme providing around 200,000sq ft of accommodation. All units are being developed on a “to let” basis, in response to what the developer said was “sustained occupier demand for modern, flexible logistics space in the region”.

CGI of a unit at City Business Park, Dock Road, Limerick where current quoting rent is €14.50psf

Cooper Developments managing director John Keane said site clearance works are already underway on the Dock Rd site.

“This development represents a significant and continued investment by Cooper Developments in Limerick, and we are focused on delivering a best-in-class logistics scheme. Construction is moving forward in line with our programme, with the first unit scheduled for delivery in Q3 2027.”

The developer said the scheme has been designed to set a new benchmark for industrial accommodation in the Mid-West, making it suitable for a wide range of logistics, distribution and light industrial occupiers.

Meanwhile, Sandymark is partnering with local landowner Conor O’Brien on the Mitchelstown scheme, with 100 acres acquired under option. The first phase of the development, on about 20 acres, will deliver three detached, purpose-built units extending to a total of approximately 293,000sq ft.

CGI of units at Ireland South Logistics Park, Mitchelstown, Co Cork

Both developments have been designed to best-in-class standards, with features including high-bay warehousing, extensive service yards, dock levellers, and grade-level access. A strong emphasis has been placed on sustainability, with buildings targeting high BER ratings and LEED accreditation. Both are strategically positioned to ensure efficient nationwide distribution. The current quoting rent at both parks is €14.50psf. Units in Mitchelstown will be available to let or for sale.

Commenting on the Mitchelstown development, Brendan Smyth, director at Cushman & Wakefield, noted that the scheme “represents a rare opportunity to secure prime logistics accommodation in a strategically important regional location” with excellent motorway connectivity and strong sustainability credentials as key attractions for occupiers.

• For more on Ireland South Logistics, contact [e-mail] or phone [phone] or [e-mail], 0879691018.
• For more information on City Business Park, Limerick, contact joint letting agents Savills and GVM Auctioneers at 021-4271371 or 061-413522 or visit the website at Citybusinesspark.ie.