SOCIAL Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan has called on the local authority to do more to include County Limerick in its future plans for Riverfest.
Discussions around Limerick’s pre-eminent festival saw temperatures rise in Merchant’s Quay as talk turned to West Limerick and saunas.
Cllr O’Donovan, who is running in the upcoming mayoral elections, deemed Riverfest an important event for the city and county in showcasing Limerick.
“I am really delighted to see Riverfest on the Shannon and to see the swim back. This time five years ago I was doing my second swim for Riverfest as part of Swimmable Limerick,” she told council members.
“Two weekends ago I was out in Kilteery Pier with a new initiative called Tide Side Sauna and the owner of that was asking about the possibility of doing something as part of Riverfest.
“I think the opportunity to have a sauna at Verdant Place at the side of the Shannon for Riverfest would be a wonderful way to showcase the river. Perhaps that is something we can look at for next year.
“I know Verdant Place isn’t a designated bathing area but Kilteery Pier, Glin Pier are, and perhaps, next year, we can try and incorporate the county a little bit more.”
Cllr O’Donovan also questioned the cost of the giant Pegasus which will lead Riverfest 2024.
The renowned Pegasé show will leap straight out of Greek Mythology walk through the city in a carnival-style parade.
“In relation to the Pegasus, I believe it is a French company, what is the name of the company and how much is it costing?’ Cllr O’Donovan asked the Metropolitan District meeting.
“While I do think the Pegasus is going to be great, I do think that Riverfest is a real opportunity to showcase a little bit more of some of the indigenous cultural offerings have in the city.”
