Planning Permission Sought for €400m Redevelopment of Limerick’s Cleeves Site
Housing demand and urban transformation propel the massive €400 million redevelopment plan for Limerick’s Cleeves site, with a planning application due imminently.
Limerick Twenty Thirty (LTT) is preparing to submit a pivotal planning application for the Cleeves Riverside Quarter, a project valued at €400 million. This application seeks permission to develop a mixed urban neighbourhood on the former Cleeves Condensed Milk Company site, a landmark location along the River Shannon. It positions itself as a major response to local housing shortages and city revitalisation, aiming to accommodate approximately 1,000 residents through 234 homes and 270 purpose-built student rooms. The submission targets An Bord Pleanála’s consideration with hopes for a decision by the end of 2026.
The development marks Phase Two of LTT’s ambitious programme, featuring significant public realm improvements including nearly two acres of parks, plazas, and gardens. Key new community spaces like the Reservoir/Quarry Park, Flaxmill Square, and a Riverside Corridor will enrich the site, fostering city-scale events and everyday leisure. Additionally, the plan incorporates nearly 300 sqm of commercial space and a crèche, envisioned as a riverside café or food hub, enhancing the neighbourhood’s mixed-use character.
The Cleeves site carries historical significance, having once employed 3,000 staff and sourced milk from thousands of farmers nationwide. It is also noted for its role during the 1919 Limerick Soviet, tying its redevelopment to a storied political heritage. This layering of cultural importance adds depth to the regeneration effort, which will shape a sustainable, vibrant community aligned with Limerick’s future cityscape.
Funding for the €400 million programme has been substantially supported by the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF), ensuring financial backing for the transformational project. Subject to continued funding and market conditions, the plan could unfold over six years, making it not only the largest inner-city development in Limerick’s history but also one of the most significant urban regeneration initiatives in Ireland.
Limerick’s Mayor John Moran voiced strong support, stating the development represents one of the biggest anchors for enterprise and growth the city can expect. LTT CEO Enda Power highlighted that the Riverside Quarter addresses both housing and student accommodation needs, while reinforcing the city’s economic and cultural heart. This approach aligns with broader strategies to combat the housing crisis and to encourage sustainable urban living.
Given the project’s scale, the planning application bypasses local council decision-making and is directed to An Bord Pleanála, the national planning authority. This reflects the complexity and importance of the development, notably in relation to flood-risk development concerns due to its riverside location. Comprehensive environmental impact assessments and consultations have been integral to the planning process, aiming to balance urban expansion with ecological sensitivity.
Community engagement was facilitated through public information events at The Flaxmill building on the Cleeves Riverside Quarter, granting residents and stakeholders access to detailed plans and opportunity for feedback before submission to An Bord Pleanála. This transparent approach exemplifies a collaborative planning strategy that includes considerations of material contravention and environmental impact to ensure robust regulatory compliance and community acceptance.
The Cleeves Riverside Quarter is anticipated to be a catalytic development for Limerick. It will expand the city’s residential offer with high-quality homes and bespoke student residences, contributing to social diversity and economic vitality. The creation of new green public spaces, commercial amenities, and childcare facilities underlines its role as an inclusive, dynamic neighbourhood, positioned to support Limerick’s ongoing urban renaissance.
Originally reported in on Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:09:37 +0000. Full story
