The fine spell of weather has helped to provide one of the most colourful floral displays seen in Limerick City in recent years with parks, gardens and landmark buildings coming to life in the sunshine. Limerick City Council says many new varieties of flowers have been planted this year by Parks staff who maintain the public parks and open spaces in the city.
Thousands of bedding plants have been planted in the city’s 10 public parks, street containers, hanging baskets and on roundabouts with displays of flowers adding a splash of colour to the city centre. ‘Bridges in Bloom’ flower baskets also adorn the city bridges. Most of the plants on display have grown from seed at the Limerick City Council nursery.
Parks Department Superintendent, Michael Sheehan said: “We are delighted with the reaction to the floral features which we feel are a real boost to those who live, work and visit Limerick city centre. The weather has certainly helped to showcase the city’s vibrant displays and have in particular made our parks a popular focal point for the local community during the sunshine.”
Tara Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer, Environment Department, paid tribute to staff of the Council Parks Department who she said have “worked hard to bring a bit of nature into the heart of the city.”
She continued: “We are particularly delighted at how our floral displays have turned out in the year of the Gathering and as Limerick City prepares to become Ireland’s first National City of Culture in 2014. Out Street Ambassadors have received many favourable comments from people on the streets who say the floral displays have given them a real sense of civic pride.”
Ms. Flanagan explained that the work of the Council Parks Department is not confined to flora displays alone
“The Limerick City Council Parks Department undertakes an extensive grass cutting programme over 330 acres of greens in estates and on the roadside as well as tree planting and pruning. Annual environmental improvement grants are also offered to support residents to undertake improvement works in their own estates such as flower planting and grass cutting. Meanwhile, the Parks staff offer support and advice to community groups in the production of flower containers in conjunction with the Community Co-ordinators team and these displays enhance the communities involved,” Ms. Flanagan concluded.
