Kathy Masterson and Bernie English
A PLAN to develop a neighbourhood park on the grounds of Mungret College was passed by members of the Limerick City and County Council Metropolitan District this week.
The local authority is also looking at developing the historic building that is Mungret College as a community facility.
The park will feature a playground, picnic facilities, outdoor exercise equipment, walking and cycle tracks and parking.
The total area of the park is 15 hectares (37 acres), consisting of 11 hectares directly in front of Mungret College that will contain a large playground with play equipment accessible for all, including children with disabilities.
The area will also contain a pond, picnic facilities, outdoor exercise equipment, walking and cycle tracks and car parking.
A proposed walkway will be provided across the green area surrounding Mungret Abbey, however the Council insists that “any development within this area will take account the important archaeology of the area”.
The plan also states that “the development of the neighbourhood will respect the setting of Mungret College, and the views from the College and to Mungret Church and the Abbey, the existing mature trees will be retained where possible”.
Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler said: “I visited it yesterday with my family. It’s an incredible site. It has incredible views and it’s an incredible asset to this city.”
“This is a good news story; the residents have been looking for this for a long time,” noted Cllr James Collins (FF).
Meanwhile, members of the council have asked that the historic building be made available as a community facility.
Executive officer Eugene Griffin told the meeting that the local authority is in the process of buying the building and it is expected that the legalities could be completed as soon as November.
However, members were told that the building needs extensive renovation and the local authority has engaged conservation architects to assess what’s needed.
Cllr Joe Leddin (LAB) had proposed that once renovated, the building could be put to community use.
“This is a huge opportunity to develop this for the community. There are a huge number of community and voluntary groups who would make use of it,” he said.
