Could be developed into a plaza
LIMERICK’S Potato Market, located on Merchant’s Quay, could soon face the wrecking ball-with Cllr John Gilligan the driving force in a plan to convert it into a plaza.
Regarded for some time now as the “Cinderella” market, it has been used in recent years solely as a car park and compared to the popular Milk Market, currently undergoing refurbishment and restoration.
Cllr John Gilligan has submitted a notice of motion to City Council that the old, originally cobbled market square, be demolished.
The councillor, who attended the recent Annual General Meeting of the Market Trustees, has also informed that body of his recommendation, which, he told the Limerick Post, was “very favourably received.”
His move at this particular point in time is a calculated one as the market was on course to be made a protected structure and as such, it could not be demolished.
“It has no architectural merit and has not been used adequately for years now – it is a fine space going to waste but would cost a fortune to do it up – I suggest that we take down the entire area and make it into a plaza, which would open up the whole square and make it a very attractive public area that could be used for a lot of civic events, public and open air concerts, exhibitions and significant happenings in the city”.
Cllr Gilligan said that he would like to see the market structure removed “up to the river – this would provide a clear view of the river, the Sylvester O’Halloran Bridge, the Hunt Museum, the marina, etc.
“There would be a clear view of the river quays between the County Courthouse and Athlunkard Boat Club, which is the very location the first Vikings to arrive in Limerick landed on and built a settlement on. We could use the cut stone of the pillars at the market’s entrance to build a commemorative stone to King Brian Boru, who built his palace on the site of St Mary’s Cathedral – we’ve no suitable or impressive monument to him”.
Confirming that the entrance from the market to the Sylvester O””Halloran Bridge and walkway is now coming away from the wall, Cllr Gilligan said it would “cost a small fortune” to rebuild it.
“This is an opportune time to seriously consider demolishing the Potato Market and from what I gather, the idea is receiving favourable consideration in City Hall,” he said.
