THE issue of basketball courts and general sports facilities for young children and teens has been a pressing concern in the city and county in recent years, according to one directly-elected mayor candidate.
Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler has identified a significant opportunity to address this need in the Mungret Park area, he told the Limerick Post.
With Mungret Community College moving to its new building in September, Cllr Butler sees a timely opportunity to enhance local sports infrastructure.
“The current basketball courts used by Mungret Community College present a great chance to retain and expand these facilities,” the City West representative stated.
“The existing infrastructure, installed by the school, could be utilised for public use, supported by Limerick City and County Council. This would not only benefit the local youth but also foster a vibrant community space.”
Mungret Park and playground have seen substantial expansion, with further growth anticipated due to planned housing developments around Mungret College, Cllr Butler said, adding that the recent opening of the new Mungret road, which supports the development of housing and the secondary school, underscores increasing demand for recreational facilities in the area.
Cllr Butler emphasised his commitment to this initiative, saying: “I have been working on this for some time, recognising its importance to the community. This is our chance to address the shortage of activities and opportunities for young people. By supporting the growth of basketball and other sports, we can keep our youth active and engaged in positive activities.”