EDITORIAL – SO Limerick city has the lowest hotel rate in Ireland and Kilkenny boasts the highest.
Talk about a Tale of of Two Cities. Kilkenny, undoubtedly a very attractive small city, certainly has a lot to offer the visitor in terms of history, culture and festival activity but while comparisons are odious, Limerick city, gateway to the Mid West, is in itself, a city that is steeped in colourful and dramatic history, also has a rich backdrop of indigenous industry and a river and its lore that has assumed resurrected status as one of the most significant features in the masterplan currently in progress for a radical redevelopment of the city centre.
Meantime, however, Limerick could be energising itself to draw in more visitors. And a straightforward way of doing so is, according to the Labour city councillor, Joe Leddin, by developing and launching a successful programme of attractive events that are available throughout the year.
This is not a radical, way-out idea – it makes sound sense to provide as many feasible and attractive reasons to visit and remain in a city as is possible.
And let’s face it – the number of live entertainment events and performances in Limerick city has declined hugely.
We need a city centre cinema, a concert venue and dedicated public areas of the city, including the river banks and parks where band recitals, jazz sessions, musicians and street entertainers can attract the passers-by.
But we also need high profile performance events that offer big time names and world-class performers and to pave the way, a festival that brings originality, colour, excitement and VISITORS.
