Pop-up cinema plans for Limerick

COUNCIL bosses are considering introducing a pop-up night cinema to increase evening trade in the city centre.

At a briefing between gardai and city centre traders, the council’s new night-time economy manager Ashlene Reyburn outlined the measure, which is popular in cities across Europe.

She suggested there would be opportunities for restaurants to collaborate with this, potentially offering discounts or partner deals.

Another idea council staff are weighing up is a ‘busk at dusk’ competition.

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This, Ms Reyburn said, would include creating a vibrant atmosphere in the evening in the city centre.

The reward for the competition would incentivise quality performers and new talent, while voting would ensure community participation.

Newly-elected metropolitan district leader Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon said he’d like to see a “gig-rig” set up at Arthur’s Quay Park to allow a dedicated space for artists to perform.

“Where groups could actually perform free of charge if they wish. It could be brass and reed bands, pipe bands or traditional music or pop artists or hip hop artists,” explained Cllr O’Hanlon.

He thinks it should be a permanent structure and have the facilities required to support artists, like electricity and lighting.

“I know my own Garryowen Comhaltas used to perform down there before Covid. We used to go on a Wednesday at lunchtime to play there. It would be great for the music and cultural industry to have something there,” he said.

The northside councillor used his victory speech at Friday’s council annual general meeting to call for the old tourist office in Arthur’s Quay Park - now out of use for a number of years - to become a garda kiosk.

In the past, there were several city centre cinemas.

But the city centre has been left without a cinema since 1997 when the Theatre Royal in Upper Cecil Street closed.

Irish Film Institute-backed films are screened on a Monday night in the Belltable. The nearest permanent cinemas now are located in Castletroy, Dooradoyle and at Ennis Road.