A PUBLIC meeting to discuss the proposed €18million footbridge across the River Shannon will examine the project in the context of overall development plans for the city.
The meeting, in the Strand Hotel at 8pm on Monday, April 25, is being organised by the Footbridge Folly Action Group who will be writing to the City Manager and local representatives of Fáilte Ireland, inviting them to attend the meeting and explain their vision for their proposed bridge.
Spokesperson for the group Dr Catherine Swift explained, “Even before they’ve told the council their plans, this bridge is already costing millions. If the council painted their own properties in Nicholas Street, that would cost only a few hundreds and it would indicate to all that they are serious about developing a positive image of the city for visitors.”
Dr Swift suggests that pop-up displays in and around King John’s Castle, including on Nicholas Street, Merchant’s Quay, the park by Arthur’s Quay and Thomond Bridge to create footfall in the area, should be encouraged.
“In that context, shouldn’t we be thinking of ways to showcase the talents and initiatives of Limerick people themselves?
“Tourists tend to seek out the unique and unusual – that’s best found when communities are expressing their own voice and their own heritage,” she concluded.
by Alan Jacques
