Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The strategic importance of the University of Limerick as a driver of innovation, economic development and the knowledge-based economy in the Mid-West is acknowledged and is reflected in both the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Region.

The Chief Executive of Clare County Council and the President of the University of Limerick wrote to my Department in January 2022 seeking designation of lands adjoining the University campus as an Economic Strategic Development Zone (SDZ), including residential uses.

My Department met with representatives from Clare County Council and the University of Limerick in April 2022 in relation to the request and my Department issued a formal response to the letter in August 2022. The response advised that the designation of a SDZ in accordance with the provisions of Section 166 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, requires a Government decision and that the Government, in making such a decision, must be satisfied that the proposed SDZ would be of economic or social importance to the State. The letter acknowledged work undertaken to date in advancing the proposal but highlighted a need for greater clarity and detail in relation to the ‘specified development’ that is envisaged on the subject lands. This is to ensure that the proposed SDZ would be of economic or social importance to the State and that a clear framework is capable of being put in place to deliver the anticipated benefits of the SDZ designation.

My Department received a response to this letter in March 2023, which set out a high-level overview of the proposed SDZ but did not address the specific matters set out in the letter of August 2022. At a subsequent meeting between officials and representatives of Clare County Council and the University of Limerick in July 2023, it was agreed that further information would be submitted to my Department to address the issues raised in the letter of August 2022. This information has not been received to date.