A new parklet has been unveiled on Catherine Street to allow alfresco dining and a place for visitors to stop, sit and relax while visiting the city centre.
Located outside Canteen on Catherine Street, work on constructing the parklet commenced last week by Limerick City and County Council and was completed over five days.
It provides seating for 12 with current social distancing restrictions which can increase up to 20, should these restrictions be eased in the future.
The scheme was designed by the Design and Delivery Services in Limerick City and County Council in collaboration with the Operations and Maintenance and Parks Departments along with local stakeholder engagement.
The parklet features a multi coloured enclosure with non-slip timber decking and a tall screening of 3m high bamboo planters.
The scheme will also increase the number of cycle stands in the area.
Local businesses have welcomed the space.
“The consultation on this project was great from Limerick City and County Council, I was shown plans from the start and as a business owner, I’m really happy with the design and the council’s approach,” said Paul Williams, proprietor, Canteen. “It’s not just for our use but for everyone on the street and in the city who can also use it every day to enjoy picnics or eating out.”
Director of Capital Investment with Limerick City and County Council, Seamus Hanrahan said the new parklet will enliven Catherine Street over the coming months.
“We want to enhance the public realm in our city centre for pedestrians and residents and while this is a small scale intervention, the importance of creating this type of public space in our city centre should not be underestimated. The use of colour for this parklet and the type of planting is a welcome addition to the area, as the greening of this section of Catherine Street will complement the lower section of the street’s café quarter and its diversity. I would also like to complement the local contractors and suppliers for their high quality work and diligence in delivering this project.”