Strong criticism of 'Christmas offering' in Limerick city centre
TWO former mayors have criticised the festive offerings in Limerick city over the Christmas period just gone.
At a meeting of the Metropolitan District earlier this week, Councillor Joe Leddin brought forward two motions which discussed by members.
One related to the “poor and uninviting” Christmas Village experience at Arthur’s Quay while the second called for workshops be arranged for members of the council to discuss how best to maximise the city’s potential for the 2023 Christmas festival.
Speaking on his first motion, Cllr Leddin said he found that Arthur’s Quay was a focal point for families and young children across the Christmas period with ice skating and other activities taking place there.
However, he commented that the 'branding' around the park itself “left a lot to be desired” and he stated: "It wasn’t appealing, it wasn’t inviting. It could have been a construction site, for all intensive purposes”.
Commenting on the second motion, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon said “any decent city in Europe has a good Christmas market” and he agreed that Limerick should be included.
The deputy Mayor suggested utilising Merchant’s Quay and the rear of the Hunt Museum to facilitate trading at future Christmas markets.
In his contribution, Cllr Daniel Butler it isn't all negative: "What was offered at King John's Castle was a very positive, and showed what the castle can do, and something which the city can build on."
However, he submitted The Bedford Row offering and the village at Arthur's Quay Park were a "failure overall" commenting: "There was very little if any activity in it. It was not laid out the best either."
Cllr Sarah Kiely told the meeting that extra Christmas lighting is needed across the city centre, and not just on the main streets. “Some areas are screaming for years for lighting. Specifically Wickham Street and High Street.”
Cllr Kiely said he believes “lighting is an easy win” and her sentiments were fully supported by Councillor Olivia O’Sullivan, cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District.
In response to the motions, council officials indicated that the Event Management Plan for the Christmas Village will be provided to the members of the council, and as requested, the branding and assessment of the site will be included in the Christmas workshop.
The local authority added that it will engage with entertainment companies to provide performances for events including Christmas in Limerick, among others.
Details are yet to be finalised.