ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 11 Industry News OPW announces Government commitment to proceed with Limerick Opera Centre The four-acre Opera site will include commercial buildings, apartment living space, a new central library, a hotel, retail space and a public plaza. The OPW is working in partnership with the Opera Centre project leads, ‘Limerick Twenty Thirty’ to develop the new Government offices at the site. ‘Limerick Twenty Thirty’ is a company established by Limerick city and county councils to develop strategic sites in Limerick city and county. Once complete, the building will The government have given approval to proceed with the development of a 14-storey landmark building in Limerick, as part of the wider urban regeneration project for the city centre. This flagship office building will form part of the Opera Centre, a project designed to transform Limerick city centre. accommodate approximately 900 workspaces and up to 1,500 public servants in a hybrid working environment. Welcoming the news, Minister of State for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, TD, said: “This state of the art building will provide value for money, allowing the OPW to vacate poorer quality buildings and enhance our owned property portfolio. We will be consolidating a number of Government Departments into one central location while at the same time contributing to the revitalisation of Limerick city centre." The new property will address a range of office accommodation requirements for public servants in Limerick and is a critical investment in the future of Limerick City and indeed the broader region. The development also supports national and regional policy objectives including Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan (NDP), and Limerick 2030. The flagship building is expected to be completed and ready for occupation in 2029. Plan for Expanding EV Charging Across Ireland The Regional and Local Plan constitutes the second part of the National EV Charging Network Plan, following the finalisation of the National Road EV Charging Network Plan in May 2024. “This plan will help deliver the charging infrastructure people need, where they need it—at home, on the road, and at key destinations and neighbourhoods across communities. Together with the National Road EV Charging Plan, it provides a complete national plan, ensuring no gaps in coverage and supporting Ireland’s transition to cleaner transport.” says Minister Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, has today announced the final publication of the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, following public consultation. for Transport, Darragh O'Brien. Developed by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), the plan sets targets and strategies for local authorities to drive EV infrastructure development at destination and neighbourhood locations, with government support. It aligns with both national and EU climate goals, helping to cut emissions and move towards a fully decarbonised transport sector by 2050. The plan outlines a path to deliver on these ambitions, coupled with a package of proposals on investment, regulation, and policy instruments. “The plan is another significant step in the ongoing roll out of public accessible charge points and complements existing schemes such as the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme, the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) Community Facilities EV Charging Scheme, and the ZEVI TII EV Recharging Infrastructure Light Duty Vehicle National Road Grant Schemes.” says Minister O'Brien.
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