Limerick Parks Department plays key role in keeping City looking its best

Limerick Parks Department plays key role in keeping City looking its best

Thousands of bedding plants have been planted in the city’s public parks, street containers, hanging baskets and on roundabouts with beautiful displays of flowers adding a splash of colour to Limerick city centre.

Monday, August 23rd 2010

The Parks Department of Limerick City Council has played a key role in keeping Limerick city looking flower-tastic this Summer 

Thousands of bedding plants have been planted in the city’s public parks, street containers, hanging baskets and on roundabouts with beautiful displays of flowers adding a splash of colour to Limerick city centre.

The tiered floral displays have been widely praised by members of the public and commented on by many tourists over the summer months. Most people will be aware of the new planters on O’Connell Street, the seasonal spring and summer bedding in the flower beds around the city and the ‘Bridges in Bloom’ flower baskets which adorn the city bridges. There are eight city centre parks in Limerick.

Parks Department Superintendant, Michael Sheehan praised staff who maintain the public parks and open spaces in the city.
“Ffloral displays strategically placed beautify our city,” he said.” The production of these displays is one of many projects undertaken by the Parks Department, our aim is to offer a wide range of quality attractions that are accessible and attractive.

He added: “Good quality parks enhance the quality of life in cities. Parks provide a focal point for communities, a place for relaxation or recreation, and the opportunity to experience nature in an urban setting.”

The People’s Park received the prestigious green flag award in 2008, which recognises high standards in public parks and green spaces, and is the only park in Ireland to receive this award. It also won the Best local Park Special Category Award in 2003.

Annual environmental improvement grants were offered to support residents to undertake improvement works in their own estates such as flower planting and grass cutting.  The Parks staff offered support and advice for community groups in the production of flower containers in conjunction with the Community Co-ordinators team and these displays enhance the communities involved.

The Limerick City Council Parks Department also undertakes an extensive grass cutting programme over 330 acres of greens in estates and on the roadside as well as tree planting and pruning.

Limerick City Council Parks Department Supervisor Dave Murphy said the Parks Department is now concentrating on winter bedding so the city will look its best during the later months of the year.

Most of the plants are grown from seed at the Limerick City Council nursery.

“We went with a few new ideas this year which have proved very successful but we would always welcome ideas from the people of Limerick, the city looking good is what it’s all about,” he said.

The Limerick Co-Ordination Office which runs the Street Ambassador Programme said both tourists and locals alike have commented on how well the flowers in the city centre look.

“Our Street Ambassadors have been inundated with people complimenting the work of the Parks Department,” said spokesperson Laura Ryan.

“We believe the floral features and parks are a real boost to all who live, work and visit Limerick city centre giving everyone a real sense of civic pride.”