Pride of Place puts paid to County Limerick estate’s reputation for antisocial behaviour

A COUNTY Limerick housing estate once plagued by antisocial behaviour is now making final preparations to impress the judges in the All Ireland Pride of Place Competition.

Representing Limerick in the Housing Estate category, Scanlon Park in Castleconnell is now a vibrant estate with a lot of activity down to the hard work of its residents association over the past decade.

Families living in the estate are currently in full swing to prepare for the arrival next month of judges for the All Ireland Pride of Place Competition.

There are almost 90 houses in the Castleconnell estate with a wide range of residents – young families and children, older residents and single people. There are also several generations of families within the estate, which gives a great sense of community.

Residents spokesperson, Mags Byrnes, said that new members have recently joined the residents association and have organised a wide range of estate activities including barbecues and sports days, day trips, clean ups and other events.

“These events are open to all residents of any age and are kept as affordable as possible,” she explained.

“The residents committee are members of Limerick City and County Council Tenants Forum and meet regularly with Ballyhoura Development regarding various activities, supports and funding which may be available to them. They have completed committee skills training and drafted an estate action plan.”

The Park has strong links to the local community, particularly the Tidy Towns group and many sports clubs that residents, both adults and children, are involved in.

The Lisnagry Soccer club have their pitch within the estate and St Joseph’s Graveyard shares the estate entrance.

Ms Byrnes pointed out that the estate once had a reputation for antisocial behaviour in the past but this is no longer the case due to the active work of the residents and support from Limerick County Council.

“We’re delighted to have our years of hard work recognised and are looking forward to showing off all our achievements in July,” she concluded.