Park life opens in the mid-west

ONE of the largest purpose-built public parks and amenity areas in the mid-west region was opened yesterday in the Limerick suburb of Castletroy.

The 17-acre development cost €2.2 million and features 1.2km of pedestrian pathways, a fully equipped children’s playground, skateboarding area, circular cycle route, and central performance and exhibition area with covering structure. It also includes natural habitats, including a 4,300sq metre lake, wetlands, wildflower grass areas and woodlands.

The development, which is located opposite Castletroy College, is complemented by park furniture, ornamental planting areas, a public car park and main entrance feature. It will be open to the public seven days a week and managed by Limerick County Council.

Limerick County Council chairman, Councillor John Gallahue, said the park was a significant and welcome addition to Limerick’s outdoor recreational infrastructure.

He said: “The county council has always been conscious of the growing population of the city environs and the increasing demands for enhanced recreational facilities.

“To this end, the additional amenities being provided in this park will also be complemented by further recreational facilities in the Castletroy area and also a proposed new neighbourhood park at Ballykeeffe on the other side of the city to serve Ballykeeffe, Dooradoyle, Outlander, Raheen and Mungret.”

Gerry Behan, deputy county manager, said the provision of sporting and recreational facilities and services is one of the core functions of local government.

He said: “Castletroy continues to experience growth in terms of developments and population.

“Therefore, it is imperative that this is matched by the provision of important infrastructure such as recreational amenities.”