Row over trees obstructing view of city museum
Visitor and local, she believes, should be given the opportunity of a clear view of the Hunt Museum, an imposing Palladian style building that was formerly the Custom House.
“While we are generally reluctant to suggest that trees be felled, we feel that here a strong case can be made for their removal,” said Ms O’Malley, Association of Approved Tourists Guides of Ireland.
Recently-elected Mayor Michael Hourigan, of Fine Gael, does not see eye to eye with Ms O’Malley’s suggestion to fell the mature lime broadleaf trees.
“I would be totally against the idea,” he declared yesterday in response to the emerging debate.
“I would have some sympathy for what she’s saying, but I would never tamper with trees as they are very special in a city or town, and are always carefully managed and preserved.
“I would have to see an overall plan for the area before I would give any consideration at all to the removal of a tree.”
“We’re looking at things through the visitors’ eyes,” said Ms O’Malley, a tourist guide for more than 10 years. “Certainly, with regard to the Hunt Museum, you point it out to people and they say, ‘Where is it? We can’t see it.’”
Visitors approaching King John’s Castle from the coach parking area had to pass a boarded-up, burned-out building on a derelict site at Nicholas Street, said Ms O’Malley.
“It’s such a shame this derelict site is directly opposite the entrance to the castle,” she added.
Mr Hourigan explained that a wind tunnel tends to focus litter in the area. A dispute exists over the title of the property, which he says belongs to the city council.
A proposal to erect a hotel on the site was turned down some years ago after residents and Limerick Civic Trust said it would overlook them. The site has lain idle since.
