www.lmkeating.ie L&M Keating Ltd, Kilmihil, Building & Civil Engineering Contractors.

Front from left, Ned Gleeson, County Manager; Cllr Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach, Limerick County Council; Pat Quinlivan, Commercial Director, and Lorchan Hoyne Contracts Director of L&M Keating Ltd. Building and Civil Engineering Contractors. Back, Eugene Griffin County Secretary; Brian O'Sullivan, Associate Director of Erinacous, Building Consultancy Services, Ennis; Brian Kennedy, Senior Executive Officer, Special Projects, Limerick County Council, and Gerry Behan, Director of Environment and Emergency Services, Limerick County Council

Castletroy, which has experienced huge growth in terms of population and developments in recent years, is to get a new 17 acre public park. The park has been sought by people in the area for a number of years as the amount of housing in Castletroy has transformed the area, while it has been claimed that the provision of the recreational facilities has not kept pace.

Limerick County Council has signed a €2.2 million contract with L&M Keating Ltd. for the construction of the park in Castletroy, which is being designed by Nicholas de Jong Associates of Urban Design.

It follows an extensive consultation process with the people of the area and it is anticipated that on-site work will begin in the coming weeks and be completed in mid 2008. Teenagers in Limerick have been seeking skateboarding facilities for some time, and there will be a designated are for it in the park, which will be next to Castletroy College.


There will also be 1.2km of pedestrian pathways, a circular cycle route and a central performance / exhibition area with a covering structure. It will feature an array of natural habitats, including a 4,300 square metre lake, wetlands, wildflower grass areas and woodlands.

There will be park furniture, ornamental planning areas and a public car park. Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council Kevin Sheahan said it would be a welcome addition to Limerick's recreational facilities.

"I am very impressed with the proposed development, which I hope will become a focal point for the people of the locality and beyond. I am sure that, once completed, it will be beautiful, accessible and convenient setting for relaxation and recreation," he stated.

Mr Edmond Gleeson, Limerick County Manager, said the growth in the Castletroy area made new facilities necessary. "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 the new development will be completed within six months of construction works commencing."

Castletroy resident Kieran O'Donnell said it was great news for the area. "It will be a fantastic facility for the 12,000 plus people living in the Castletroy / Annacotty area and the wider community. Limerick County Council is to be commended for providing this amenity and Limerick County VEC for facilitating it's go ahead."

Deputy O'Donnell said the local recreational facilities will get even better. "This is the first phase in a two phased development of a neighbourhood park of approximately 30 acres for the Castletroy / Annacotty area. Limerick County Council has advised me this week that proposals are currently being addressed in respect of the second phase which will be located on lands situated between Castletroy College and the Dublin Road. It is envisaged that this second phase of the park will include a Community Centre, sports pitches and a proposed new site for the Castletroy Gaelscoil."

Limerick Leader, November 2007