Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, was in Southill this week to appoint McSweeney Sports Surfaces as contractor for a new Southill Play Space and associated landscaping, providing a designated play area for local youth.
Construction works on the new amenity are due to commence in September with delivery expected early in 2025. The project is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, through the Limerick Regeneration Implementation Framework Plan.
The design approach to the scheme focuses on multi-generational usage, with a proposed natural play space, a designated small children's play area, gathering spaces and a high-quality landscaped area.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran welcomed the project saying,
“Neighbourhoods such as Southill are the future of our city, but they cannot realise their full potential without proper investment. This is another positive step, but only a step on that path. Amenity projects, such as the Southill Play Space and associated landscaping, are all the same, in that they are vital for enhancing liveability in our neighbourhoods.”
Mayor Moran added, “At Limerick City and County Council, we are all proud to be working with the Southill community to deliver an inclusive space. I’m impressed with the design from local architects Feeney McMahon whose work I am familiar with. With this new facility, situated next to the Southill Community HUB, we hope to see this location drive forward and become the heartbeat of O’Malley Park.”
Joe Delaney, Director of Service for Regeneration, Sport and Recreation at Limerick City and County Council, added,
“Limerick City and County Council look forward over the coming months to delivering a facility that the children of Southill and the southside of the city can enjoy. The Council will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to develop accessible amenities for the local community.”
The design, produced by Feeney McMahon Architects, was developed following an extensive community consultation process, where the views of key stakeholders were used to shape the proposed brief.
Liam Hayes, a member of the local resident's group, says the project is eagerly awaited:
“The people of Southill are delighted to see this project moving forward and we commend the Council for giving the children of the community an active and meaningful role in the development of the facility”.