Green light for Limerick estate playground

COUNCILLORS have approved plans for a new playground and meet-up space in a Limerick southside estate.

Members gave the green light to the proposals for the development, which will lie adjacent to the Holy Family Church in Southill.

There will be a new play area with a range of different equipment for different ages, alongside a protective perimeter fence.

On top of this, a new pedestrian crossing will cross over Castle Oaks View.

In the centre, a meeting area will be built, which will feature benches and seating.

Council official Sean Coughlan wrote in a note to members: “The proposed development will have a positive effect on the local community within Southill, changing an under-used green space into a safe play space and meeting area.”

Since the development is taking place on council-owned land, it was the role of local representatives to decide on the planning application.

Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely proposed it go ahead, with Green Party member Sean Hartigan seconding it.

Councillor Kiely said she did have reservations over the location of the park.

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She said groups in Southill, Carew Park, Kincora Park and Keyes Park felt the close proximity of the main park could be an issue.

“It remains to be seen,” she added.

These concerns were reflected by councillors Hartigan and Elena Secas, Labour. But Fianna Fail councillor Catherine Slattery said she would not be supporting the scheme.

“I cannot understand how my colleagues in City East are allowing this to be passed. Ye've stated residents and stakeholders are not happy with the location. Why are we not listening to people in the area? We need to listen to our communities,” she told the meeting.

But council official Cliona Corry said the majority of submissions made on the project were in support of the location.

For her part, Cllr Secas said she had not heard of anyone complaining about the location of the new playground.

Following its passage through the council at this month’s metropolitan district meeting, it’s anticipated construction work will commence in January next.