Shannon Development plans to spend £3.5 million on creating "an authentic late 17th century Irish streetscape." This would be part of "a major integrated visitor attraction" incorporating buildings from the Siege of Limerick era in the Castle Lane area, beside the restored 13th century King John's Castle.
A spokesman for Shannon Development said yesterday it would include a 17th century tavern and banqueting hall where evening entertainment would be staged. It is also planned to move the Limerick City Museum to Castle Lane.
Mr Paul Sheane, Shannon Development chief executive, said the aim was to create a "flagship project of sufficient scale to make Limerick city a significant tourist destination in its own right."
new attraction should be ready for the 1997 tourist sea son and bring over 100,000 visitors to the area. It would play a central role in Limerick city's 800th anniversary celebrations. The project will be EU supported.