Southill Play Space opens in Limerick with strong community support

LIMERICK CITY and County Council (LCCC) has unveiled a new community amenity in the Southhill area. 

The Southill Play Space along with its newly landscaped surroundings was formally opened on Thursday, July 10.

Launched by Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, the Play Space is a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and connection, designed to bring joy to families and children for generations to come.

Cllr Catherine Slattery said,  “The Southill Play Space is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community’s voice is truly heard. This vibrant new amenity reflects the pride, creativity, and spirit of Southill, and I’m delighted to see it open for families and children to enjoy for generations to come.”

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The Regeneration, Sports & Recreation Directorate at Limerick City and County Council, was committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive amenity for all residents. 

The project has delivered a natural play space, a designated small children's play area, gathering spaces and a high-quality landscaped area in the heart of the community.       

Funding for this amenity came from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan.

Feeney McMahon Architects led the Integrated Design Team for this project which included extensive community and stakeholder engagement. 

The consultation with key stakeholders was undertaken in a collaborative manner resulting in the provision of much needed community infrastructure in a location that complimented the compact provision of services within Southill.

Limerick based company, McSweeney Sports Surfaces constructed the Play Space, which includes log fencing and natural play logs sourced from Curraghchase Forest Park in County Limerick.  

The Council acknowledged the tremendous contribution made by the Southill Hub, Southill Residents Association & Tidy Towns Committee, Southill Family Resource Centre, Tait House Community Enterprise and Southill After Schools Club in providing funding and manpower to complete the planting of the raised flower beds in preparation for the opening.  

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly added: “Limerick City and County Council is delighted to deliver this amenity for the community. This compliments our current and future housing in the area and it is vital to sustaining a community into the future. We look forward to seeing the local children getting great enjoyment from this space”. 

Fr. John Walsh, Parish Priest of Our Holy Family Church, Southill was also in attendance to bless the area. 

Southill Play Space is one of several planned sports and recreation facilities for the area and an Initial design has commenced on a planned Multi Use Games Area.

Welcoming the new facility, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented: “It is fantastic that the Play Space has been opened. I recall the day not so long ago when I met everyone including the children who were involved in the design ideas and were so excited to see them realised.  This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we put people and place at the heart of planning. Recognising the importance of a better quality of life for all of our people, young and old, is at the heart of the More for Limerick programme. I want to congratulate everyone who delivered this Play Space so quickly for all.”