Limerick is critically disadvantaged in seeking to meet the expectations of the National Development Plan, a report has found.
The Revitalisation of Urban Limerickplan published today identifies potential revitalisation projects for the city.
Authors Dr Edwards Walsh and Peter Coyle found that Limerick is "at risk of acute degeneration" as a city, with a dissipating regional economic base and an exodus of residential and commercial activity from the city centre.
They recommend that an independent economic and administrative analysis should be carried out as a matter of urgency to determine the "optimal city boundaries" for Limerick city.
The report says the existing regeneration agencies should be joined by a third sister 'city centre agency' created specifically for the physical and economic development of the urban centre including King's Island, the Docklands, the urban riverside and other key areas.
Dr Edward Walsh said: "The report arises from brainstorming sessions held during the course of 2007 involving a wide range of organisations and leading members from Limerick city and its region and from subsequent in-depth consultation it is clear that the Limerick urban area is not achieving its potential."
"We propose initiatives to change this and make Limerick city the key economic and social driver of its region. Limerick has remarkable potential and the capacity to be a progressive, socially and economically balanced, European waterfront city. It has the potential to partner with Galway and the Atlantic Way communities to emerge as a major bipolar urban area: the national counterpole to Dublin."
The report was commissioned by the Atlantic Way in association with bodies such as University of Limerick, Limerick City Council, the Limerick Chamber of Commerce, Shannon Development and the Limerick Co-Ordination Office.