New riverside amenity park in Limerick town gets the green light

THERE has been mixed reaction to news of the development of a new riverside park in Kilmallock.

The River Loobagh Riverside Park is located between Wolfe Tone Street and the R515.

The site is currently vacant after a controversial derelict apartment block was demolished.

The development will consist of a new riverside amenity area including plants, grassland and natural play areas.

The works will include the removal of existing fencing that encloses the site and installation of new footpaths to provide improved access to the park from Wolfe Tone Street.

The works will also include upgrades to the surface of existing Loobagh riverside walk, installation of benches and signage explaining local nature information and archaeological history about the Kilmallock town defences that cross part of the site.

The Part 8 plan also includes a proposal to install lighting at the amenity.

Councillors from the Cappamore/Kilmallock municipal district welcomed the first phase of the plan which is due to be completed by the end of this year.

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Councillor Michael Donegan said the new park would be a welcome addition to the town.

“The current park is used by a number of community groups in the area including Kilmallock and Kilfinane Angling Club, Foróige and the Maigue Rivers Trust.

“Furthermore, it is a very important cog in our 7 kilometre looped walk around our medieval town, which has proved invaluable during the pandemic.

“The Riverside Park has been managed and maintained by Kilmallock Tourism Development's CE Scheme participants for over 30 years.”

However, some locals raised concerns via submissions to the plans that anti-social behaviour that has been reported in the area may increase once the park has been built.

One submission suggested that the installation of benches and lighting in the public space would lead to “binge-drinking” in the area.