Limerick seeks street ambassadors for ‘be nice’ diplomatic campaign

LIMERICK is embarking on a major ‘be nice’ offensive by deploying its very own diplomatic corps.

Unlike the usual globe-trotting diplomats, these new ambassadors will spend their days greeting visitors on city centre streets during the summer.

The Limerick Co-ordination Office has started a recruitment campaign.

The new ambassadorial positions are open to people aged 18 to 65 on a people and the successful applicants will work 14 hours a week and will be paid above the minimum hourly rate.

The eight people chosen to act as street ambassadors in Limerick will be fitted out with their own distinctive uniforms.

Applicants have to submit a 300-word article on why they want to be street ambassadors to the co-ordination office in O’Connell Street and the closing date is March 26.

Andrew Mawhinney, of the co-ordination offices, said: “The street ambassador programme has been very successful in many international cities in welcoming visitors and building up civic pride.”

The street ambassadors will have a wide variety of duties including advising visitors about restaurants, bars, and other recreational amenities in the city.

The ambassadors will have to have a very good working knowledge of Limerick and possess the ability to convey pride in local traditions and achievements.

Mr Mawhinney said Limerick is the first Irish city to introduce street ambassadors and he was confident others will pick up the concept.

He said: “It is a great opportunity for anybody who is civic minded and wants to put something back into Limerick and it’s also a great way to promote the Riverside city.”

An independent panel will carry out the interviews and a supervisor will be appointed form the eight ambassadors. The eight ambassadors will also undergo a special training course.