A soundscape which will battle the hustle and bustle of Limerick city

LIMERICK City and County Council would like to commission an artist to create two audio islands for the public to sit, rest, and enjoy commissioned sounds in noise polluted areas of The People’s Park.

Environmental noise, such as from traffic, can strongly reduce the user experience of parks. 

Assessments have been carried out at the People’s Park with respect to its identification as a Candidate Quiet Area in the Noise Action Plan 2024-2028. 

Participants of soundwalks in the park rated the existing sound environment as annoying for a section of the park near the R858 and Upper Mallow Street roads.

A report from the Environment and Climate Action Team recommends a concept to create two audio islands to improve the perceived acoustic environment in this area by providing seating to encourage relaxation and social interaction with acoustic installations that mask environmental noise and provide natural sounds influenced by the River Shannon. 

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The artwork is intended to be permanent and of high quality. 

Aesthetically the design and materials should complement the surrounding park, elements of the architecture in the area, landscape design, and being in an open public space. 

Improving the acoustic environment in these areas of the People’s Park will likely improve the pleasantness of the soundscape and encourage social interaction. 

An in-depth artist brief was also released by the Limerick City and County Council.

It described what the soundscapes should include, and why they are needed. 

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An extensive investigation into the noise pollution in the park, and the positive, natural sounds which park-goers enjoyed were taken into consideration.

With a budget of €20,000, this project is a serious initiative taken by the council in an effort to tackle noise pollution in the city, and create more enjoyable third-spaces for the public, and for the community to thrive.

The artist brief, budget, and more information about the project is available online, at the Limerick City and County Council’s website. 

The deadline date for receipt of submissions is Wednesday, June 11, at 12pm.

The e-mail address for return of quotations is: artsofficesubmissions@limerick.ie