Bridge across River Arra in new plan for Limerick's county town

A NEW strategy for Newcastle West proposes the courthouse be used as a theatre instead, with legal proceedings moving elsewhere in the town.

The facility at Bishop Street has been widely criticised for its condition.

Only last year, retiring State solicitor Aidan Judge condemned the “completely unacceptable” conditions there.

“We are left in this courthouse with little or no facilities, no video link (to the prison), no way of viewing CCTV footage, and we have regularly had to decamp to the court in Kilmallock. It’s completely unacceptable,” he said.

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Elsewhere, the Newcastle West plan envisions a new footbridge across the River Arra, and also provides for pop-up markets near Desmond Castle, a new youth and community centre, plus the removal of vehicular traffic from part of the Square.

The new urban strategy for Newcastle West has gone on display this week.

Members of the public are being invited to have their say on the far-reaching plans, which the council hopes will see major improvements to Limerick’s county town.

Home to 7,200 people, Newcastle West is the largest town in the county outside the city and its suburbs.

Thanks to funding from the European Union, the local authority has been able to prepare a 126-page long integrated urban strategy for Newcastle West.

“The aim of the Draft Integrated Urban Strategy is to make Newcastle West a great place to live for all age groups and sections of the community, a great place to work, to run a business and to visit,” wrote Stephane Duclot, the director of services in the council’s rural, community, culture and tourism development section.

Across the month of April, three drop-in sessions will be hosted in Newcastle West to give people a better idea of the changes proposed for the town.

The first takes place on Thursday, April 10, from 5pm to 8pm at the council’s offices at Gortboy.

The second is in the same venue the following Tuesday, April 15, from 2pm to 5pm.

A third takes place at The Square, in the heart of Newcastle West, between 12pm and 4pm on Friday, April 25.

It is hoped that through the strategy, Newcastle West will be “economically stronger as a centre of employment” with more jobs and enterprises across different sectors.

Local outdoor markets are proposed at new locations in the town centre, for example at the Market Yard and in the shadow of Desmond Castle.

Other events including fashion shows and a food festival showcasing west Limerick producers are also being mooted.

“Newcastle West will have a designated cultural quarter of historic buildings at the centre, encompassing the castle, The Square and adjacent streets,” the strategy states.

Out-of-use buildings could host pop-up shops, exhibitions, performances and talks, supported by Limerick City and County Council.

The blueprint for the town’s future also proposes a wider use of Desmond Castle.

In terms of public transport, there is a suggestion that high-frequency around-town bus services could be introduced for Newcastle West to cut the use of cars.

Assumpta Park is proposed to be “beautified”, with better quality footpaths and seating.

For more information on the strategy and to have your say, telephone 061-556000 or click here