Park Canal Restoration Project

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    This document contains details of the Restoration of the Park Canal project.

1. Introduction

1.1 Status and Content of the Document

The Restoration of the Park Canal is a collaborative project, administered by Limerick City Council and Shannon Development, aimed at restoring the use, and in particular the amenity potential, of this presently neglected waterway linking the University Campus (and including the National Technology Park) with the medieval city of Limerick. The restoration is being carried out with the approval of Waterways Ireland.

As the project is to be undertaken on behalf of a local authority it is thereby subject to the requirements of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The Planning and Development Regulations (2001) implement the Planning and Development Act (2000) in its entirety and set out the procedures to be followed for the development of the project.

Article 81 (1) of the Regulations state that the local authority shall:

• (a) give notice of proposed development in an approved newspaper, and
• (b) erect or fix a site notice or site notices on the land on which the proposed development would be situated.

Article 81 (2) (d) states that

• ((i) plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection during office hours at the offices of the local authority for a specified period (which shall be not less than 4 weeks beginning on the day of publication of the notice in a newspaper in accordance with sub-article (1)(a)),
• (ii) submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing to the local authority before a specified date (which shall not be less than 2 weeks after the end of the period for inspection of plans and particulars specified pursuant to sub-paragraph (i)).

This document comprises the plans and particulars of the proposed Park Canal Restoration Project as required by Part 8 of the Regulations.

Following the Introduction, Section 2 of the document sets out the general background to the project, the Draft Development Plan context, its relationship to other initiatives within Limerick, and the historical development of the canal. Section 3 describes the strategy proposals and illustrates through general arrangement plans, sections and a palette of materials the design intentions for the restoration of the canal. Section 4 considers the technical requirements of the project and the associated environmental aspects.

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2. PROJECT BACKGROUND

2.1 Water in Historic City Centres

The Canal Restoration Project comprises part of the 'Water in Historic City Centres' initiative - a project supported by the European Union under its Interreg 111B programme and eligible for ERDF funding. The six cities are Breda and 's-Hertogenbosch (Netherlands), Ghent and Mechelen (Belgium), Limerick and Chester.

The central theme of the project focuses on deploying old water courses for spatial development purposes in historic city centres. Water, which is often seen as a threat because of the danger of flooding and the potential inconvenience it can cause, provides an excellent opportunity for city centres to increase their attractiveness. Enhancing a city's relationship with the water can improve the quality of its public space, create scope for new residential, cultural and economic functions in urban areas and create a structure for integral water management, including the development of the water's ecology.

The European objectives, in order to contribute to the quality and sustainability of the historic city centres, are:

• To use 'historic' water as a basic quality for spatial redevelopment of the city centres;
• To use the quality of water to support the multifunctional use of the limited space in inner city centres for economic, cultural and residential functions, and simultaneously;
• To realise integral water management.

By restoring the Park Canal, Limerick City is seeking to create an entirely new, attractive link between the new University grounds and the medieval city centre. At the same time, various areas along the canal will be developed for residential, employment and leisure activities, while new bicycle and walking paths will be established. The ecology of the area will be protected and the quality of the water in the canal will be substantially improved.

2.2 The Development Plan Context

The Park Canal forms a common boundary between the districts of Corbally and Garryowen as defined in the Limerick City Council Development Plan 2004. The Corbally area is a mixture of predominantly residential and environmentally sensitive wetland areas (the majority of which have been designated as 'Special Area of Conservation' in terms of national environmental directives). It is intended that a Local Area Plan will be prepared for the controlled development of the Corbally district during the lifetime of the Development Plan.

The Garryowen district comprises the established areas of Garry Owen, Rhebogue and Park Estate, and the newer areas of Parkway and Singland. Although predominantly residential, the Parkway Roundabout has recently developed as a major retail centre. The areas fronting onto the Shannon River in Rhebogue and the Park Canal are subject to periodic flooding and have been designated as both open space and as a Special Area of Conservation. The development objectives for the district are also to be formulated in a Local Area Plan.

The City Council has identified and included in its Development Plan and Corporate Plan the issue of sustainable transport modes for Limerick City and environs. The development of a cycle network is an important step towards this objective and the Transportation & Infrastructure Department of the City Council is engaged in discussions with its counterparts in the County Council to ensure that an integrated cycle network is achieved. One of the proposed cycle routes identified in the Limerick City Cycle Network Strategy (May 2004) comprises Caherdavin to University of Limerick via Brookville, Thomondgate and Park Canal.

The Corbally Link Road (Phase II) will also provide road and cycle lanes from Corbally to Park Road, with access to the proposed cycleway on Park Canal.

2.3 Relationship with Other Initiatives

The canal restoration project forms an integral part of a far broader and innovative strategy for the revitalisation of the Limerick waterfront. The vision for the Riverside City project establishes a new development line that runs from the area of the new river crossing below Limerick City, to the Docklands area, Quayside and City Centre, King's Island and extending to the University. The Park Canal is recognised as ".the jewel in the crown of the Riverside City Project".

To date much of the regeneration of Limerick has focused on re-imaging the river, with major redevelopment along the waterfront, a new bridge across the Shannon and another planned, a new marina and berthing pontoons, and extending the Shannon navigation into the heart of the city. The wider vision of the Riverside City Project will continue to develop Limerick City and its environs:

• "As a key riverside location at the junction of the River Shannon with the Shannon Estuary;
• As a riverside location with a very visible and prosperous riverside economy with significantly improved navigation, both up from the Estuary and down from the Shannon system;
• As a riverside location with extensive water's edge development;
• As a 'must see' area for visitors, Irish and International, with good facilities for tourism and leisure;
• As an attractive, International City with a good image attracting positive publicity and PR;
• As a strategic gateway location in implementing government spatial policies;
• As a vibrant RIVERSIDE CITY".

The Park Canal Restoration from the Abbey River to the River Shannon (1km in length) will further complement the Riverside City initiative by transforming the canal corridor into an area that is more attractive for visitors and residents, and as a catalyst for appropriate developments in the adjacent inner city areas.

The first phase of the Canal Restoration Project will allow its banks to be opened up for leisure and amenity purposes, while providing the catalyst for a variety of potential canalside development projects, such as a sports museum, craft shops, some residential, cafes and parks. Other initiatives may include the introduction of facilities for watercraft, and the creation of canal bank walks and cycling paths.

"The Park Canal will connect the old with the new, both in geographical terms and in terms of itself. Its restoration and development will once again give the area a sense of purpose and vibrancy". (Riverside City Strategy).

The project will also enhance the experience of The Lough Derg Way, a long distance walking trail extending approximately 16 miles from Limerick City along the canal and onwards to Killaloe by way of O'Brien's Bridge, and is also complementary to the ongoing Limerick City Centre Re-modelling of Streets and Public Open Spaces Project which aims to:

• create a high quality public realm that can form a focus for the regeneration of the central area; and
• enhance accessibility of the centre for pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transport.

2.4 Development of the Park Canal

The Park Canal was constructed in 1757-1758 to transport goods to and from Limerick City. The canal system was invaluable in the transport of heavy goods, such as turf, potatoes, coal and, in particular, Guinness. The canal boats took four days to reach Limerick from Dublin, when conditions were favourable, which was considered to be an ideal period to allow the Guinness to mellow. Much of the stone quarried at Garryowen and Ballysimon was conveyed by canal barge. The bell in St John's Cathedral was also carried by water from Dublin. By 1929, with modernisation of transport and the building of the electricity generation station at Ardnacrusha, the canal had become obsolete and fell into dilapidation.

A Canal Restoration Association and the Limerick Civic Trust have promoted restoration and development of the canal for a number of years. Minor works have been completed, with the area tidied up and painted, trees planted, the restoration of the brick bridge (Limerick's oldest) and the construction of a new footbridge. Due to the lack of significant investment however, and the isolation of the canal from much of the city centre, insufficient use was made of the area and much of the benefit of the work has been lost to vandalism.

The Canal Restoration Project represents an important means for arresting the further decline of this historical asset. An effective link between Limerick University and the medieval quarter, and the rest of the city centre, would help revitalise the use of the area as a linear open space facility, creating a unique focus for regeneration and providing sustainable related activities, such as for leisure and workshops.

 

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3. PHASE 1 IMPROVEMENTS

3.1 Present Condition

Lock Quay to Loggers Pumping Station

The majority of structures and buildings along the canal are located between Lock Quay and Park Bridge. To the north side of Lock Quay there are two derelict buildings in a prominent location with potential for renovation to compatible uses. The lock gates were replaced recently as part of the Limerick Main Drainage Project. A terrace of partly-dilapidated buildings to the south bank of the canal have potential for redevelopment. Further east the old Guinness warehouses are derelict and subject to a demolition order.

Re-surfacing with stone setts has been under-taken around the brick bridge. Generally the footpaths to both sides of the canal in this location are in good condition. There is an old crane on the south footpath and an old hoist past the Guinness building, which would be retained as an integral part of the proposals. The canal itself is mostly free from overgrowth but would benefit from localised clearing out of general debris.

Loggers Pumping Station to Park Bridge

There are no buildings along this section. The footpaths on both sides of the canal are generally in good condition. The waters and vegetation also appear healthy. The Park Bridge is generally in good condition and has been structurally reinforced. There is a concrete weir as a substitute for the original lock gates. The lock walls on both sides are in poor condition. The area around the north-west side of the lock has been partly renovated under the Limerick Main Drainage Project, comprising landscaping and a seating area. There is a significant amount of debris in the basin of the lock.

Park Bridge to Richmond RFC

There is poor pedestrian access between Park Bridge and the railway bridge. The water in this section is shallow and appears stagnant. It is likely that there has been a build up of silt behind the weir wall. East of the railway bridge there are footpaths on both banks in reasonable condition. The banks themselves are steeper and very overgrown. A section of roadway has recently been reinstated from the bridge to the entrance of the Richmond RFC grounds.

Richmond RFC to Guinness Bridge

There are no structures or buildings along this section, apart from the recently constructed Guinness Bridge at the entrance to the River Shannon. There are footpaths along both banks in reasonable condition but in parts very enclosed by vegetation.

The canal itself is also overgrown and requires dredging and vegetation clearance.

Guinness Bridge to University of Limerick

Eastwards from Guinness Bridge a footpath in variable condition meanders eastwards along the southern bank of the River Shannon. It crosses several small tributaries by way of narrow bridges and becomes very overgrown in parts.

3.2 Improvement Proposals

The strategic objectives for the Park Canal restoration include:

• To restore the historical canal to improve the navigation link between the Abbey River in inner city Limerick and the River Shannon on the periphery of the city;
• To improve the urban and rural landscape quality of the canal;
• To create improved pedestrian and cyclist paths along the canal;
• To provide appropriate security infrastructure, including public lighting, etc.;
• To improve the flow of water through the canal, resulting in better water quality;
• To construct appropriate lock gates along the canal.

To meet the objectives it is proposed that the project should be divided into two phases. Phase 1, to be completed by the end of 2005, would comprise the remedial works required to enable the canal to become navigable (including dredging and vegetation clearance), as well as essential physical improvement works and landscaping.

Generally it is proposed that improvement works are concentrated at the two main focal points of Lock Quay and Park Bridge, and along the southern bank of the canal. It is envisaged that the northern bank would retain its informal character, and with the addition of fishing platforms, while the southern bank would accommodate a continuous cycleway, improved surfaces, lighting and street furniture. The stone setts lifted at the start of the Limerick Main Drainage Project would be re-used at key areas of activity. The main elements of the improvement works are shown on the following General Arrangement plans.

Phase 2 of the project cannot be fully defined at this time as it would involve substantial inputs from the private sector as development schemes are brought forward. It is anticipated that the Phase 1 works will act as a catalyst for the continued regeneration of the area. Subject to the statutory planning requirements, possible related projects could include:

• Renovation of the two buildings to the north side of Lock Quay (e.g. for refreshment and/or interpretation uses);
• Redevelopment of the terraced buildings to the south side of the canal by Lock Quay;
• Redevelopment of the Guinness Building;
• Redevelopment of land on south side of canal between the proposed Corbally Link Road and Park Road;
• Possible provision of public car park to southwest of Park Bridge to serve canal users;
• Possible redevelopment of land to the south of Canal Bank, between Park Road and Plassey Walk;
• Creation of a canal basin between Park Bridge and the railway bridge providing berthing and related facilities.

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4. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 Dredging Requirements

One of the main objectives for the restoration of Park Canal is to restore the navigability of the channel extending 1.6km from the confluence with the River Shannon to Lock Quay and its intersection with the Abbey River.

A significant amount of sedimentary material has accumulated on the canal bed over time that will need to be dredged. Between Lock Quay and Park Bridge parts of the canal have been subject to improvements associated with the Limerick Main Drainage works, such that only minor localised dredging will be required. To the east of Park Bridge the water has become very shallow and stagnant in places due to the build-up of silt behind the lock. The canal banks have also become very overgrown. Within this section it will be necessary to dredge the accumulated silt that has built up behind the concrete weir.

It is anticipated that the dredged material will be deposited as backfill material on land in close proximity to the canal. As it is possible that contaminants may be present, sampling and analysis of the material will be required as indicated in the following Section.

The estimated volume of dredged material to be moved amounts to approximately 16,600 cu.m. It is proposed that the dredging would be carried out by specialist contractor using a pumping mechanism attached to a floating pontoon, in order to help minimise the amount of disturbance to the canal banks and its associated ecology (refer Section 4.2).

4.2 Environmental Features

The Park Canal forms part of the Shannon River proposed Special Area of Conservation, and is therefore highly susceptible to change. The main area of possible concern comprises the dredging operations and resultant implications for the ecology of the area.

Dredging Material

Potential sources of contamination in the accumulated silt include sewage/stormwater overflows, drain outlets from surrounding lands and an old industrial discharge from Dawn Dairies 300m to the south (now blocked).

The former Guinness warehouse, and a petrol filling station, are also located along the canal bank close to Lock Quay. Sensitive wetland/marsh areas are located to the north and south of the corridor. There are also two known water abstractions to the south.

Sampling and analysis of dredged material will be carried out to determine chemical composition prior to commencement of dredging operations. Field measurements of pH, temperature and conductivity will be undertaken on site. Sediment samples will be taken wet, placed in 1-litre glass amber containers and stored at ,4oC prior to dispatch to the laboratory for analysis. Surface water samples will be similarly collected and dispatched. Accredited analytical methods will be used.

It is expected that the results of the analysis will be available in early 2005, and any specific mitigation measures incorporated into the dredging and disposal operation as necessary. Disposal of dredged material will also be in accordance with the Waste Regulations.

Ecological Assessment

An ecological assessment of the canal was carried out in early December 2004 (White Young Green Environmental Ltd.), comprising a desk study and field surveys. The habitat assessment was conducted in accordance with Phase 1 Habitat Survey Methodology (Joint Nature Conservancy Council, UK 1993). A general faunal survey was also conducted and signs, sitings and other evidence of mammals were recorded for the study area.

The canal has been allowed to overgrow and is therefore botanically quite diverse, providing suitable habitat for a diversity of plant and water birds. No botanical species were identified on the site that are either protected by statute or considered rare. However, it should be noted that in 1996 opposite leaved pondweed (Grolandia densa) was recorded in two separate locations in the canal, which is a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1976.

The assessment concludes that the most significant impact of the dredging activities will be to the aquatic and riparian vegetation. However, no protected species were detected during the survey. All due care should nevertheless be taken not to interfere unnecessarily with the bank vegetation as this will preserve the seed bank. One of the possible reasons for the decline of G densa could be that the species has been out-competed by the dense overgrown vegetation throughout the length of the canal. Dredging may encourage the recolonisation of the species naturally when competition with other plants may be lessened. Reintroduction could also be considered.

As the canal links the River Shannon to the Abbey River, these watercourses may be particularly sensitive to pollution, particularly by suspended solids during the dredging stage, which can affect water quality and migratory and other fish species. All best practice water pollution control measures therefore will be taken to ensure that no impact to the watercourses is caused by the proposed activities. Ongoing monitoring of water quality will also be required, and an appropriate action plan implemented to mitigate against any negative effects.

All due care should also be taken to prevent the spread of Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed identified on the site, as these are non-native exotic plants that need adequate control.