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Displaying items by tag: €100m framework strategy

#ShannonEstuary - Plans to transform 75 acres of Limerick docklands estate writes The Irish Times, into an economic hub will create more than 1,000 jobs and involve a minimum of €100 million of development, organisers have said.

The Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) published on Friday its Limerick Docklands Framework Strategy (click Video) designed to transform the area just off Limerick city centre.

The assets earmarked for development include disused buildings and greenfield land banks that are surplus to the operational needs of the thriving Ted Russell Docks.

“The docks have been and will remain the core SFPC commercial activity at the Limerick docklands estate, which extends 2.15km along the river Shannon waterfront,” said the company.

“However, the strategy is the first time that non-core assets will be explored for their commercial potential in a programme that will attract significant inward investment and potentially in excess of 1,000 jobs.”

The company said the programme could involve a minimum of €100 million of development, potentially delivering 75,000sq m of new and existing buildings at the Ted Russell Docks, Corcanree Business Park and other sites off the Dock Road.

The company has already had discussions with a number of potential partners on individual projects within the wider scheme with a view to enabling works to begin on initial projects next year.

For more on the major redevelopment click here.

Published in Shannon Estuary

Forty Foot Swimming Spot on Dublin Bay

The 'Forty Foot' is a rocky outcrop located at the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove, County Dublin from which people have been swimming in the Irish Sea all year round for 300 years or more. It is popular because it is one of few spots between Dublin city and Greystones in County Wicklow that allows for swimming at all stages of the tide, subject to the sea state.

Forty Foot History

Traditionally, the bathing spot was exclusively a men's bathing spot and the gentlemen's swimming club was established to help conserve the area.

Owing to its relative isolation and gender-specific nature it became a popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s, during the women's liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to everyone and it is in the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Many people believe that swimming in extremely cold water is healthy and good for the immune system.

Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?

The Forty-Foot is a great place to swim because there is always enough water to get a dip but like all sea swimming, there are always hazards you need to be aware of.   For example, a lot of people like to dive into to the pool at the Forty-foot but there are submerged rocks that can be hazardous especially at low water.  The Council have erected signs to warn people of the underwater dangers. Other hazards include slippy granite cut stone steps that can often be covered with seaweed and of course marine wildlife including jellyfish that make their presence felt in the summer months as do an inquisitive nearby Sandycove seal colony.

The Forty-foot Christmas Day swim

A Dublin institution that brings people from across Dublin and beyond for a dip in the chilly winter sea. Bathers arrive in the dark from 6 am and by noon the entire forty foot is a sea of red Santa hats!