‘Time is of the essence’ - urgent calls to recruit manager for Limerick city centre
Councillors say the ‘continuous cycle’ of store closures is ‘not acceptable’
IT IS “very difficult to shop in the city” these days amid the “continuous cycle” of retail closures in Limerick, a meeting of the Metropolitan District heard.
This comes following a Notice of Motion submitted by Non-Party councillor Maria Donoghue, who asked the Council to recruit a city centre manager.
This would be to curate and manage the city’s retail offering.
According to Cllr Donoghue, the current retail scene is “declining,” declaring that the “continuous cycle” of store closures is “not acceptable.”
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She said that while people do want to support local businesses, it is “very difficult” to do that given the current climate.
It is a “real problem,” stated Cllr Donoghue, who said she has even struggled to purchase jeans for her son in the city centre.
The Non-Party councillor said this manager is needed to “serve residents and visitors” in both a targeted and strategic approach.
She believes that the local authority needs to support and develop the existing retailers as well as attracting new businesses into the city.
Also on this, it was heard at the meeting that not only do visitors need to be attracted to the city but retained.
“We need to take control of the decline and turn things around,” said Cllr Donoghue.
Fine Gael Councillor Olivia O’Sullivan supported the motion but said it needs to be a very specific role, suggesting to add ‘retail’ into the title.
When asked if she accepts this amendment, by Cathaoirleach Sarah Kiely, Cllr Donoghue said, “yes-ish.”
Non-Party councillor Ursula Gavan also supported the motion while noting that this “goes beyond retail,” as did Aontú councillor Sarah Beasley who disclosed that she finds it “very difficult to shop in the city” these days.
Supporting the motion’s “sentiment,” Fine Gael Councillor Peter Doyle proposed a forum regarding this ongoing issue to which Cllr Donoghue said a focused approach is needed, not a forum since “time is of the essence.”
In a written reply, Brendan Troy, Head of Economic and Tourism Development said, “Bannon Property Consultants were appointed in February 2026 to carry out a Vision and Options Report on the future of retail in Limerick city centre.
“This final draft of this report is due in Quarter 2 2026, and will make recommendations to ensure that the vitality and viability of the city centre is maintained and enhanced.”