A STUDENT summer project has recently transformed the facades of abandoned Limerick buildings that were last inhabited almost 40 years ago.
The Summer Students project, which was overseen by St Mary’s AID (Area Integrated Development) in conjunction with Limerick Regeneration under the tutelage of local artist Pat Collins, resulted in the restoration of five buildings in Verdant Place in Kings Island.
Warren Kiely, St Mary’s AID elderly services contact person, organised the project, which saw 15 volunteers from Kings Island strip, clean and paint murals on four cottages and one two-storey building over the course of a week.
The buildings, which were left to the mercy of the elements for close to 40 years, now sport vibrant facades once again, enhancing the area’s visual and historical appeal.
Mr Kiely said of the volunteers: “The work they have done is theirs for life if looked after; they were a pleasure to work with and their contribution was second to none. They brought the old Verdant Place facade back to life, and it adds a new vibrancy to the area.”
St Mary’s AID is involved in ongoing improvement works in the area through its Job Initiative Scheme employees and also encourages voluntary participation.
