Boarded-up houses set for mural makeover

ART will attempt to imitate life as a string of boarded-up houses in a Limerick estate are painted and decorated to give the impression they are occupied.

With many of the houses on St Mary’s Park estate set to be demolished as part of the Limerick regeneration project, neighbouring residents are attempting to keep the area looking as well as possible in the meantime.

Locals in the earmarked regeneration estate have started work on painting murals on metal sheets which will be put in place.

A spokesperson for the community project said: “The project involved painting the metal sheets which are used to secure empty properties in order to give the impression that they are occupied.

“For example a window frame, curtains and even a cat may sit on the sill of these painted sheets. It is hoped that this project will improve the outlook for the neighbouring residents who are currently overlooking these empty properties.”

Residents and local groups yesterday worked the graffiti sheets at a youth and community centre with the help of local artists.

They painted the sheets using stencils and spray paint and hope to put a new look on four of the empty properties which are located on St Munchin’s Street.

Today, the painted sheets will be installed on the empty, eyesore, properties with an unveiling ceremony hosted by city mayor Cllr Kevin Kiely.