Limerick people are being asked to join with publicans, restaurateurs and others involved in the evening and night-time economy to go purple this weekend (19 - 21 Oct) to celebrate the city's Purple Flag.
Businesses, the local authority and the Gardaí have come together to promote the purple flag which aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of the city centre between the hours of 5pm and 5am.
The Purple Flag district in Limerick is centred on the Market Quarter and extends from Thomond Bridge to Shannon Bridge on both sides of the river and from Barrington Street and Parnell Street to King’s Island.
The Purple Flag is an accreditation process similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches. It leads to Purple Flag status for town and city centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy.
It is recognised internationally and is the ‘Gold Standard’ for evening and night-time destinations.
To achieve the flag towns and cities must prove themselves in 30 criteria that are all relevant to the evening and night time economy. The Purple Flag is a positive initiative that indicates an entertaining, diverse, well-managed area that leads to an enjoyable night out.
The evening and night time economy is an important sector of the overall economy and businesses in Limerick are being encouraged to get behind The Purple Flag and recognise the advantages of having it.
The Purple Flag can be a very important asset when it comes to marketing the city.
Areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.
There has been a co-ordinated approach between Limerick City and County Council, Limerick Chamber and An Garda Síochána to develop the evening and night-time offering in the city centre.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr James Collins said: “Limerick is proud to have been awarded the Purple Flag status as areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of entertainment, culture and dining while promoting and working towards increased safety and wellbeing for visitors and locals alike. Limerick has made significant progress in the past number of years and the Purple Flag is a great opportunity to work together for the future promotion and betterment of Limerick city.”
JJ Mulcahy from The Old Quarter said: “The Market Quarter and Vintners of Limerick are fully supportive of the Purple Flag. Working together in unity with the various businesses and organisations involved is the best means to see continued progress in the coming years. Progress for Limerick and all we have to offer. We warmly welcome this initiative and look forward to future developments and are honoured to fly the Purple Flag for Limerick.”
Dee Ryan, CEO of Limerick Chamber said: “Businesses are very proud to fly the Purple Flag, reflecting the strength of ongoing partnerships in the city. We want to encourage any interested parties to get involved and come to a Working Group meeting where we discuss ongoing issues in relation to retaining the Purple Flag but also ideas on how we can maximise the footfall in the city in the evening and night-time.”
Superintendent Derek Smart from Henry Street Garda Station said: “The Purple Flag initiative represents the excellent cooperative approach of all stakeholders in Limerick City in the management of the night time economy and An Garda Siochana look forward to continuing our support with the upcoming Purple Flag Weekend. It is about people being able to enjoy themselves in a safe and inviting environment, that we want to encourage.”
Gordon Daly, Director of Social Development with Limerick City and County Council added: “The Purple Flag is about demonstrating the vibrancy and diversity of the evening and night time economy in Limerick. This is achieved by working in partnership between the Gardaí, the Chamber of Commerce and the City and County Council. We are delighted to be involved in celebrating the Purple Flag weekend, and engaging with all businesses who operate in the evening and night time economy. We encourage any businesses who are interested in joining us to get in touch.”
For more information visit Your Guide to Limerick’s Nightlife on Limerick.ie and use #paintlimerickpurple