Locations across Clare to be 'reimagined' as new Flexible Outdoor Structures are installed

Clare County Council has officially welcomed the roll-out of the new Flexible Outdoor Structures in four towns and villages. 

This project is an innovative architectural initiative which looks to reimagine how we use outdoor public space across the county.

The Flexible Outdoor Structures are a series of demountable, transportable structures that can be erected in a variety of outdoor locations.

The structures are designed to animate public space and accommodate a variety of creative uses and outdoor performances as well as simply providing a social space to rest and enjoy. 

This project has been funded by the Outdoor Public Space Scheme as promoted by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. This funding stream asks us to reimagine how we use our outdoor public spaces to promote creativity, performance and social exchange.

Clare is a county with a large variety of festivals, outdoor events and other cultural activities. This project looks to support this rich culture and promote new ways of experiencing arts, performance and social activities in an outdoor setting.

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Clare County Council has initiated the roll-out of the structures, with installations completed at Kilrush, Ennis, Kilfenora and Newmarket on Fergus.

It is intended that the roll-out of the structures will continue into the summer months and the structures will form an excellent addition to the wide programme of festivals and outdoor activities across the county. The project was a collaboration between the Rural and Community Directorate, the Economic Development Directorate and the Municipal Districts of Clare County Council.

The project team at Clare County Council worked closely with a multi-disciplinary design team led by GKMP Architects and the structures were fabricated by Alan Meredith Studio Ltd.

Welcoming the project, Ann Reynolds, Director of Rural Development and Cultural Services, Clare County Council, said, “Clare is a county renowned for its rich artistic and musical culture. This project will bring about new ways of showcasing this unique culture in outdoor settings.”

Tomás Prendeville, A/Senior Executive Architect, Clare County Council, added: “The Flexible Outdoor Structures project looks to reinforce our relationship with outdoor public space in a new and positive way, and I look forward to seeing the project in use by our communities and visitors alike.”