A new strategy to develop tourism across Limerick city and county envisages that the total number of visitors to Limerick will reach 1.17 million per annum, generating more than €360 million in revenue and creating 1,500 new jobs by 2023.

Limerick City and County Council’s strategy has identified Limerick’s unique position on the west coast of Ireland and as a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way as being central to developing the sector.

A wide-ranging consultation process has involved key stakeholders across the city and county including West Limerick Resources and Ballyhoura Development Company. In addition, the council has sought input from other relevant national stakeholders including Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Consultation has been carried out with members of Limerick Public Participation Network (PPN) while public workshops have been held across the city and county.

The draft ‘Limerick Tourism Strategy 2017-2023’ aligns with the ‘Limerick 2030 Economic and Spatial Plan’, which has earmarked tourism as a key sector for future growth. The plan addresses the need for a joined-up tourism strategy and a more co-ordinated approach to the development of the sector.

Tourism has been earmarked as a key sector for future growth in Limerick’s six-year strategy.

The framework for tourism is based around four key drivers, such as waterways, activities, heritage, and arts and culture in both an urban as well as a rural environment.

Wednesday 11 April is the closing date for public submissions, which can be emailed to tourism@limerick.ie or sent to Tourism Department, Limerick City and County Council, Merchant’s Quay, Limerick V94 EH90.