Canopy in Limerick set to take inspiration from Lough Gur stone circle

A NEW canopy planned for a city centre street looks set to take inspiration from the Lough Gur stone circle.

Limerick City and County Council has kicked off a public consultation into the new “landmark” canopy, which is projected to be situated at Quimper Square in the heart of Cruises Street.

The local authority engaged Dublin architecture firm Niall Montgomery and Partners, which in turn engaged global engineering firm Egis to come up with designs for the structure.

The plans were unveiled to the public earlier this year, with a design outline stating that in coming up with the plan, the local heritage and history of both Limerick and the wider area was looked at.

"A rich and varied historical account of the county illustrates its colourful past from pre-historic settlements, Viking and medieval towns. The predominant source of inspiration was on the very special Lough Gur stone circle. This form and representations of the sun in fragments on the grange stone, Celtic knots and art overlapped with various points in history to determine a circular disc-like form which the structure would follow,” a document reads.

Council is also planning some works in the area immediately around its location.

Council said: “The canopy is intended to create a focal point within Cruises Street, providing a flexible civic space capable of hosting a range of activities and events.”

Members of the public are being invited to look at the plans at council offices in Merchant’s Quay and Dooradoyle, and online. Feedback is being sought up to 4pm on October 16. This can be done by post to the director of service in transportation in City Hall, by email to [email protected], or online at MyPoint.limerick.ie.

Councillors will vote to approve or reject the canopy plan later this year.