Northern Area Plan 2016
Limavady Borough: Limavady

In the context of the Regional Development Strategy published in September 2001, Limavady is a Major Hub on the Northern Corridor. By 2001 the town’s population had reached 12,075, an increase of 1,700 (17%) compared to 1991. In the 30 years following 1971 Limavady’s population almost doubled.

From mid 1988 to mid 2004, a total of 1,332 dwellings were completed in the town. The annual rate of completions was 83, almost identical to the need estimated by the Limavady Area Plan 1984-1999, for an average of 82 dwellings to be completed each year. Almost all this development has occurred at Bovally along the south eastern edge of the town.

Limavady is 27 kilometres east of Londonderry, 23 kilometres south west of Coleraine, and 105 kilometres north west of Belfast. It is in close proximity to City of Derry airport only 15 kilometres to the west, and the port of Londonderry, 22 kilometres to the west.

The town developed from a small Plantation settlement founded in the early seventeenth century. Despite an early association with the linen industry, Limavady did not benefit from the subsequent expansion of linen manufacturing in the nineteenth century, and consequently remained a modest sized market town until the late twentieth century. During the past 50 years however the town has experienced sustained growth, related to significant development of modern industry and its perception as an attractive residential town. Limavady continues to function as a prosperous service centre for the Roe valley, but as a retail centre it is the subject of increasing competition from Londonderry, Coleraine and to a lesser extent Ballymena.

One of the distinctive features of the town’s growth has been the predominant southward and eastward expansion of its suburbs, with the River Roe flood plain continuing to contain the town to the west and north. As a result there remains a close visual relationship between the town centre and the immediately adjoining countryside.