LOCAL Fine Gael councillors have welcomed the commencement of work by Limerick City and County Council on a public realm enhancement plan for Clarina and Ballybrown.
The non-statutory plan will set out proposals to strengthen the heart of the community, focusing on improving connectivity between residential, community, and commercial areas, enhancing the visual character and approaches to the village, and creating more vibrant, accessible, and welcoming public spaces.
The initiative follows a motion proposed by Fine Gael councillor Dan McSweeney at a recent Metropolitan District meeting. In response, the Council acknowledged the potential benefits of a dedicated village enhancement plan for Clarina/Ballybrown and committed to including the project in the 2025 work programme of its Forward Planning, Public Realm, and Heritage team.
The public realm enhancement plan is expected to be a key driver of positive change in Clarina and Ballybrown, providing a strategic framework to guide future development and community improvements.
Cllr Dan McSweeney told the Limerick Post that the commencement of the development of the plan is “brilliant news”.
“In recent years, the area has seen significant development and investment, but it is now time that a robust plan is developed — with the community at its centre — to enhance the area even further.”
Cllr McSweeney says he has been advocating for such a plan for months and now looks forward “to engaging with the public and hearing their views and concerns during the consultation phase”.
“Once this plan is completed, it is crucial that Limerick City and County Council commits the necessary resources to deliver it — even if on a phased basis over the coming years,” he added.
Cllr Daniel Butler (FG) also deemed the progress a hugely positive step for Clarina and Ballybrown.
“Our villages deserve investment that not only improves how they look and feel, but also how people move around, connect with services, and gather as a community. I am delighted that this process is underway and that residents will have a central role in shaping the plan,” the City West representative commented.
A public engagement event will take place in late September, providing an opportunity for local people to share their views and help inform the final proposals.
Limerick City and County Council will release further details on the engagement event in the coming weeks.
