LIMERICK city’s landmark Daniel O’Connell Monument has received a makeover that has enhanced and emphasised its grandeur and highlighted the architectural beauty of The Crescent area.
On Tuesday, the refurbished monument, fountain water jets, lighting, extended flower beds and paving design were unveiled in the presence of the mayor, Cllr Gerry McLoughlin who paid tribute to the project engineer, Tara Flanagan, Fountains and Decor who installed the water jets and the paving company, Kilsaran Concrete.
“The power pump for the water jets needs 48 hours to seal the points, so we will have to wait until Friday morning to see the dramatic impact of the jets cascading water from the fountain, which will be very impressive,” Tara Flanagan told the Limerick Post.
Paul Foley, senior executive of Limerick City Council’s Environment Department, who oversaw the entire operation, is delighted with the result and also pleased that it did not cost an exorbitant amount to accomplish (though he politely refrained from revealing the actual cost). “In actual fact, the entire project was very cost effective for the six weeks work involved and the result is excellent,” he told the Limerick Post.
“It will do a lot to enhance our main city boulevard in this gracious Georgian area of the city,” he said.
Delighted with the result, Mayor McLoughlin said that, with plans in the pipeline for a revitalisation of Limerick city centre, it is important to “enhance whatever we have of worth in terms of architecture and the built environment of all areas of the city.
“This picturesque and very impressive monument to the great Liberator, Daniel O’Connell is now made even more attractive by the additional work that has gone into enhancing it – it is a credit to the engineer, Tara Flanagan and the entire team and very especially to the head of the council’s environment department, Paul Foley.
The Daniel O’Connell Monument was erected in 1850 as a free-standing bronze. It was the first outdoor public sculpture in Limerick city.
