โCaledonian Park has a long and proud association with sport and in particular soccer in the city and both Prospect and Weston FC clubs would certainly welcome a plan to redevelop as a sporting facility that could contribute to the overall social regeneration plans for the southside of the city,โ he told the Limerick Post.
Referring to the significant loss of a number of sporting facilities on the southside, including the Roxboro Swimming Pool and the closure of St Endaโs spots Complex, he said:
โWith the focus of Regeneration now gradually moving from demolition and house purchases towards the provision of suitable community infrastructure. Caledonian Park should be a facility that can include soccer pitches, running tracks, and playground activities for young children.
โI previously submitted a notice of motion to the city Council calling for the redevelopment of Caledonian park and I believe now is the time to progress this project as the Regeneration plan for the city is being revisedโ.
He believes that a debt of gratitude is owed to both Weston Villas and Prospect soccer clubs โfor continuing to maintain the grounds for many years despite ongoing problems with anti social behaviour, stray horses, and rubbish dumpingโ.
Cllr Leddnโs will resubmit his original motion to the next council meeting โin order to prioritise plans in agreement with the existing soccer clubs, Regeneration, local community and the city councilโ.