Some criticism of Arthur’s Quay Park but praise given for work at O’Connell monument
LIMERICK city’s first entry in the Tidy Town competition secured it an overall marking of 238 out of 400. In an assessment of Limerick’s performance and rating, the adjudicating panel commended the city for “making a flying start.”
In its reference to the city’s built environment, they state:
“There is no doubt that Limerick has layers of history and its heritage is what makes it different to everywhere else.
“This category looks at how this heritage is conserved and presented to people using the city – how is the story of Limerick told and it also looks at recent and modern architecture which is the layer of history that is laid down for future generations and what it will say about us”.
The adjudicating panel praises Limerick City Council for its “proactive management of derelict buildings, adding:
“Such innovations as the creative Limerick scheme and teaming with Dulux to paint buildings are excellent, and it is noted that the council purchased the Opera Centre but plans for this are not given and such projects should be marked on the map”.
The recent renovation of the O’Connell Monument in The Crescent came in for special mention, as did the Frank McCourt Museum..
“`Its circular heritage plaques were admired as they are very attractive and informative and the Art Gallery on Pery Square is a beautiful heritage building with modern additions, complemented by nice lamp standards – this Georgian area around O’Connell Street is superbly presented”.
Complimenting all those business owners who made special efforts to enhance their facades with fresh paint, flowers and eye-catching motifs, the adjudicating panel’s comments on the Tourist Office on Arthur’s Quay commends it as “very clean and tidy,” adding, however: “the building itself could look better.
“The Perspex roofing is covered with algae while paint is flaking on some of the green poles.
“Why is there a Tesco trolley bay in this location and the Discover Ireland computer on the external wall is not functioning.
“The plaza to the foreground was clean and liter-free but a bin was full – this location would be good for a statue or a piece of installation art”.
There is high praise for the pedestrianisation of the city centre area.
“It has had a wonderful effect and will hopefully make the area attractive to shoppers and visitors from out-of-town destinations.
“The broad parts of William Street are a good halfway house and Little Catherine Street is particularly full of charm and character, although vigilance is needed with the quality and quantity of advertising A-boards.
“However, the wooden base of one of the trees has been graffitied, as is the entrance to Guiney’s”.
There is also praise for Thomas Street.
“it is very attractive with good street furniture, street trees and good quality paving but watch out for excessive or poor quality signage here as it does create a cluttered appearance – the Still House has a wonderful facade”.
O’Oonnell Street, however, would “benefit from greater emphasis on pedestrian access, as it still feels car-dominated”.
The adjudicating panel also points out that there has been less emphasis on landscaping along the city’s main street.
“Poor quality signage, at eye level, can detract from the architectural quality of the street scene but the planters at the north end of O’Connell Street are effective, not only in appearance but in calming traffic volumes”.
High praise for the People’s Park, which is described as “a fantastic feature which is very well maintained – the combination of mature trees, well trimmed grass and displays of roses is excellent”.
There is also mention of Arthur’s Quay Park:
“The monument is pretty imposing and ugly – at least to its adjudicator’s taste- and is surrounded by acres of hard surfacing and what should be an amazing view across the Shannon to King John’s Castle is obscured by the giant containers and metal fencing.
“This is a key location for the city and something more is required – drinking alcohol here should also be controlled as it is a major deterrent to other users, especially families.
“It was also noted that there are no playground facilities in the park and this could be a good spot for one”.
