Objections to plans for King John’s Castle in Limerick
An artists impression of the proposed redevelopment of King John's Castle
COMPLAINTS have been made against Shannon Development’s lack of consultation with the public regarding the transformation of King John’s Castle.
Simon Spratt, who once lived within the walls of the famous castle, says the State authority has presented the plans for the €5.7 million as a “fait accompli” and is amazed local residents and groups haven’t been consulted.
“Shannon Development came along 20 years ago and parachuted in out of nowhere and didn’t listen to a thing.
Then they disappeared for 20 years and the whole thing went to rack and ruin,” said Mr Spratt, referring to Shannon Development’s revamp of the castle more than two decades ago.
However, under the Part 8 process the public can make submissions to the local authority regarding their views on the plan, which will then be presented to council for consideration before a decision is made.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Byrne, said the castle needs to be “renovated and modernised”, and urged the public to submit their views before the upcoming deadline this month.
The redevelopment of the 13th castle will create some 17 jobs when the refit is complete.
Under the redevelopment, visitors to the complex will be able to ‘virtually’ sit on the River Shannon, and enjoy its history as Ireland’s longest waterway.
Another part of the exhibition will focus on the streets of the city from the 19th to the 20th century, and the new Castle Lane complex will be connected with the courtyard of King John’s Castle. The much derided entrance will also undergo a revamp.
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Comments
There are 6 comments to this article
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Simon Spratt
Friday, April 22, 2011 at 04:42 PMGreat to see you care. I agree that apathy has no value. In fact King John's Castle is both: - A National monument and - A protected structure Source: John J. O'Connell, Dip. Arch, F.R.A.I. Conservation Architect Grade 1 === National democracy cannot live while local democracy is held to ransom by 'Shannon Development'. With the help of locals and experts this rushed and ill advised waste of €5.75m will be kicked out. Imagine how many jobs €5.75m could generate in Limerick. ..... Please listen to the beginnings of the debate (Joe Nash 12th April 2011) on the podcast section of 'Live95FM dot ie' website Please exercise local democracy today; spread the word.
Joe M
Friday, April 22, 2011 at 10:26 AMI'd do better with a leggo set! There should be a law against throwing up horrible buldings like this against ancient Castles. If this was a listed bulding the historical society would be up in arms! An ancient outhoue type building as the visitor reception area and medieval camps would be far more appropriate! But that's way to easy to comprehend!!
KathyFlannery
Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 01:54 PMI agree we need to keep it as close to its original version as possible...lose the box and glass
woodlawnpark
Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 10:39 AMAbsolutely shocking refurb.. Knock down the box and join the walls with local stone from a quarry - simple as!
martie1981
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 10:31 PMThis is another example of the short-sightness of the people running our city, another eyesore that will only detract potential visitors to what should be a big attraction in the shannon region. Why can't they just follow the example of the likes of Kilkenny castle and just stick to the original design of the castle and remove that unsightly box.
Mike Finn
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 05:30 PMDue to poor picture quality above I'm not entirely sure what the artist impression represents? However I'm hoping it's not some kind of permanent scaffold - though I have a sneaking suspicion that's actually what it is. The Mayor says the castle must be "renovated and modernised”. Indeed - but it is an 800 year old castle - a symbol of Limerick's history. Hopefully developments will be in keeping with that - and not turn it into some tacky little theme park? We'll have waterslides around Newgrange next!
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