THE former Debenhams building on O’Connell Street in Limerick City was one site suggested by members of Limerick City and County Council as a location to facilitate a temporary pop-up gallery to showcase the work of local artists this Christmas.
At the October Metropolitan District meeting, Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara called for vacant spaces and Council-owned properties in the city to be given a new creative lease of life over the festive period.
Sinn Fein councillor Ursula Gavan supported the proposal and said it would add to the vibrancy of the city this December.
“I’d love to see the vacant Bank of Ireland, or the old Dunnes building on O’Connell Street come into use, or even the old Debenhams building on O’Connell Street as the main thoroughfare,” Cllr Gavan suggested.
Cllr Hickey-O’Mara told Council members that he believes such a move would show Limerick artists that they have the support of the local authority.
“The arts are a necessity, not a luxury. The arts are Ireland’s national resource,” the City North representative declared.
He said that facilitating pop-up stores for local artists would help them to make ends meet “in the run up to the lucrative Christmas season”.
“We can show that we have their back, that we see the value in their work, and in doing so, we can continue to nurture a Limerick that is liveable, vibrant, and deeply creative.”
Seconding his motion, Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan was keen for the former Habit unit on Thomas Street to be used for a pop-up gallery.
“That space is now very derelict. It has been used as a shelter by homeless people. It is also being used to tie ponies to, as we saw last week, which was absolutely horrific to see,” she said.
In response to Cllr Hickey-O’Mara’s motion, Arts Officer Etain McCooey said there would be a need for a lead-in period in order to put in place a scheme which would offer local artists the opportunity of exhibiting in temporary pop-up galleries.
She suggested that “it would be appropriate to develop a programme for delivery in 2025”.
