SIMILAR to the redevelopment of Shelbourne Park on the north side of the city, two years ago, Limerick South would benefit from a redevelopment of Caledonian Park on Hyde Road. Cllr Joe Leddin is proposing to the city council that “Cals Park” as it is affectionately known, should be redeveloped as a facility to include soccer pitches, running tracks, and playground activities for young children.
“Caledonian Park has a long and proud association with sport and in particular soccer in the city and both Prospect and Weston FC clubs would certainly welcome a plan to redevelop as a sporting facility that could contribute to the overall social regeneration plans for the southside of the city,” he told the Limerick Post.
Referring to the significant loss of a number of sporting facilities on the southside, including the Roxboro Swimming Pool and the closure of St Enda’s spots Complex, he said:
“With the focus of Regeneration now gradually moving from demolition and house purchases towards the provision of suitable community infrastructure. Caledonian Park should be a facility that can include soccer pitches, running tracks, and playground activities for young children.
“I previously submitted a notice of motion to the city Council calling for the redevelopment of Caledonian park and I believe now is the time to progress this project as the Regeneration plan for the city is being revised”.
He believes that a debt of gratitude is owed to both Weston Villas and Prospect soccer clubs “for continuing to maintain the grounds for many years despite ongoing problems with anti social behaviour, stray horses, and rubbish dumping”.
Cllr Leddn’s will resubmit his original motion to the next council meeting “in order to prioritise plans in agreement with the existing soccer clubs, Regeneration, local community and the city council”.
