17-Acre Public Park To Open This Week In Castletroy, County Limerick

Ireland (SANEPR.com) August 18, 2008 -- The development of ‘Castletroy Park’ follows an 8-month long construction contract between Limerick County Council and contractor L&M Keating of Kilmihil, County Clare.

The EUR2.2m public park and amenity area, which is one of the largest purpose built public park and amenity areas in County Limerick, was designed by local company Nicholas de Jong Associates, Urban Design.

The development features 1.2 km of pedestrian pathways, a fully equipped children's playground, skateboarding area, circular cycle route and central performance/exhibition area with covering structure. It also features an array of natural habitats, including a 4,300 sq. metre lake, wetlands, wildflower grass areas and woodlands

The development, which is located opposite Castletroy College, is complemented by park furniture, ornamental planting areas, a public car park and main entrance feature. It will be open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours, and managed by Limerick County Council.

Cllr. John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, who will officially open the new public park and amenity area this Thursday at 12 noon, said, ‘These new facilities are a significant and welcome addition to Limerick’s outdoor recreational infrastructure’.

He added, ‘The provision of this state of the art public park demonstrates Limerick County Council’s commitment to further improving the quality of life for local communities. The development will be of particular benefit to the growing population of Castletroy and surrounding areas’.

Mr. Gerry Behan, Deputy County Manager, said the provision of sporting and recreational facilities and services is one of the core functions of Local Government.

‘Castletroy continues to experience growth in terms of developments and population. Therefore, it is imperative that this is matched by the provision of important infrastructure such as recreational amenities. I expect that this accessible and convenient setting for relaxation and recreation will become a focal point for the people of the locality and beyond’, added Mr. Behan.

In the past year alone, Limerick County Council has made significant progress in meeting its obligations under the County Limerick Play Plan 2006-2010 and National Play Policy – Ready, Steady, Play!

Play facilities have been provided at Kilmallock, Cappamore, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Further playgrounds are planned for Askeaton, Rathkeale, Croom, Kilfinane, Castleconnell and Bruff.

Elsewhere, the Council and the Football Association of Ireland are currently in the process of providing all weather soccer and multiuse facilities at separate locations throughout County Limerick. The five separate Astroturf pitches for young people will be situated in Abbeyfeale, Patrickswell, Hospital, Rathkeale and Cappamore.

Earlier this year, meanwhile, President of Ireland Mary McAleese officially opened the Askeaton Pool And Leisure Centre, which has been established as a lasting tribute to Askeaton’s proud and lengthy association with organised swimming and water sports.

According to Cllr. Patrick O’Donovan, Chair of the Environment Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), ‘Castletroy Park represents yet another step forward for the Local Authority in its continuing efforts to further improve the number and standard of recreational facilities available to members of the public. Through interaction with local groups, who possess an in-depth understanding of the needs of their locality, my colleagues and I will continue to press for further developments of this nature throughout the county’.


Note to Editor:
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
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