Limerick land once earmarked for mosque snapped up for public park

Land at the corner of Parnell Street, Sexton Street and Lower Gerald Griffin Street are to be converted into a pocket park | .

placeholder image — Land at the corner of Parnell Street, Sexton Street and Lower Gerald Griffin Street are to be converted into a pocket park | .

Mayor John Moran leads efforts to transform out-of-use site in heart of city

VACANT land in Limerick once earmarked to be home to a new mosque in the city has instead been purchased by the council.

The local authority is planning to convert the empty land into a new pocket park, celebrating the area’s unique Pigtown heritage.

The plans were first revealed by Limerick Live in September.

Works are already under way by Tallybrooke Civil Engineering Ltd, with site clearance and wall stabilisation works completed.

It’s anticipated the pocket park will be finished by the end of the year.

It’s being supported by funding of more than €80,000 from the 2026 mayoral fund.

Council says the pocket park will provide a “vibrant and multifunctional space” for the neighbourhood.

Multifunctional simply means having more than one purpose or being able to do several different jobs.

Themed around Limerick’s historic pork industry, proposed timber sculptures and murals will create a focal point in the area.

Seats are being put in there, and trees will be planted.

Pictured at the contract signing for the new pocket park in Wickham Street were, front row, council director general, Dr Pat Daly, metropolitan district leader, Cllr Joe Pond, Mayor John Moran and príomh-chomhairleoir Tom Ruddle. Back row, Sean Lenihan, director of services, Jayne Leahy, head of property, Cllrs Joe Leddin and Azad Talukder, plus Carmel Lynch, senior executive engineer and Aidan Finn, head of environment and climate action | PICTURE: Liam Burke/Press22 | .

Draw Out, a Limerick art group specialising in street-art and murals have been tasked with creating the Pigtown-themes designs.

There’s also going to be dog-friendly space.

Mayor Moran said: “This project demonstrates how relatively small interventions can make a significant difference to the quality and attractiveness of our city centre. By transforming a neglected and inaccessible site into a welcoming public space, we are creating another reason for people to spend time in the city while also celebrating an important piece of Limerick's heritage.

Príomh-chomhairleoir, Cllr Tom Ruddle, added: "What was once a fenced-off and overgrown site will soon become a vibrant public space that people can enjoy and take pride in. The incorporation of Pigtown heritage features will help tell the story of this area while creating a welcoming environment for residents, visitors and city centre workers alike."

Council director general Dr Pat Daly said: “"Through the successful acquisition of this site and the funding support provided through the mayoral fund, we are delivering a new city centre amenity that will contribute positively to the appearance, vitality and attractiveness of this part of Limerick.”