A MAJOR upgrade of Bishop O’Brien Park in Clare Street will be of major benefit to children in Limerick’s inner city communities who may not have gardens to play in.
That’s according to Labour Party councillor Conor Sheehan who has welcomed confirmation that design consultants have now been appointed for the planned upgrade of the park.
The upgrade will be undertaken in conjunction with improvement works at the People’s Park and will be part funded by Limerick City and County Council’s General Municipal Fund allocation.
“In June 2020, I secured €50,000 in ring-fenced funding with the support of all my Limerick City North Council colleagues to go toward the refurbishment of Bishop O’Brien Park in Clare Street and unfortunately the work was impacted by Covid-19.
“However, the Council have informed us that design consultants are finally being appointed in the next two weeks with construction to be finished before the end of 2022. The project will be funded from the councillor’s general municipal fund allocation,” Cllr Sheehan explained.
The work will include replacing and enhancing the existing play equipment in the playground and the inclusion of a basketball court.
“I have also requested that the Council include accessible play equipment for children with disabilities such as in Mungret Park which they have committed to doing.
“Bishop O’Brien Park is a fantastic amenity used by the people of Lower Park, Rhebogue, Garryowen, Pennywell and further afield, and in particular, for children living in the inner city who may not have gardens to play in.
“This badly needed refurbishment will make the playground fit for purpose and will significantly enhance the amenity meaning that Bishop O’Brien Park will be as good as Mungret Park once it has been refurbished,” he said.
