Reimagining Limerick’s laneways

The EU-funded project +CityxChange (Positive City Exchange) is part of a drive to revitalize the centre of this Irish city

Limerick City and County Council is inviting residents to take part in an online survey and a workshop, and have their say about an ongoing project to redesign and renovate Limerick's Georgian heritage laneways.

Working towards a positive energy city

The EU-funded project +CityxChange (Positive City Exchange) was unveiled last summer. It aims to transform dozens of ’’forgotten laneways’’ in the city centre, currently used mainly for parking and bin storage, into car-free spaces for art, culture, exercise, kids’ play and experience of nature. The overarching goal of the project is to create a new community to drive innovation and fight climate change by working towards a positive energy city.

“Limerick’s Georgian heritage is a fantastic resource and a jewel in our city crown. Reimagining the laneways which connect streets is an important way to develop the city centre and attract more people to live there,” said Rosie Webb, Head of Urban Innovation in Limerick City and County Council, quoted by the municipal website. 

As part of +CityxChange, Limerick City and County Council has selected five projects to give five laneways a new look. The makeover will include setting up an open-air green museum with CO2 absorbing plants, a hanging garden with fruits and vegetables to be picked by passers-by, drones and unobtrusive thermal cameras offering insight into the city life and behaviours, as well as a street art gallery with an InstaWall similar to the one in Paris.

The City and County Council needs public feedback to shape the vision and strategy for the Limerick Laneways, as well as the designs for the first seven laneways. The closing date for the survey, which can be completed at Limerick’s Consultation Portal MyPoint, is Monday, 14 December 2020 at 5 pm.

The online community workshop is being held on Tuesday, 8 December between 7 pm and 8.30 pm via Zoom, and would-be participants can sign up at Eventbrite.

Part of a wider award-winning initiative

The Limerick Laneways project is part of the wider Living Georgian City initiative, which aims to revitalise Limerick City Centre. Just days ago, the programme won a Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Award in the Enhancing the Urban Environment category.

The Council has received funding for drafting a document with guidelines about how to improve the public parts of 25 laneways in the city centre.