Limerick City Council Explores Festoon Lighting Expansion

Plans are underway for the expansion of festive lighting in Limerick’s city centre, following the successful introduction of festoon lights on Catherine Street. This area, recognized as Limerick’s Fashion Quarter, has been adorned with purple lights since before Christmas, creating a vibrant atmosphere that has garnered positive feedback from both residents and business owners. Council director Kieran Lehane expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with metropolitan district members to identify additional locations for similar lighting installations.

During a recent council meeting, Lehane acknowledged the challenges associated with funding the installation and maintenance of these lights. “But if you are in agreement, we can cost it out,” he stated, indicating a willingness to explore budgeting options.

The push for enhanced lighting comes in response to community concerns about safety, particularly following a reported homophobic attack on William Street in November. Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan emphasized the potential impact of decorative lighting on public safety and urged the council to consider extending the initiative to include Upper William Street, Wickham Street, and Parnell Street.

Cllr O’Donovan highlighted the overwhelming response she received from community members regarding their feelings of insecurity in these areas, particularly during the late evening when bus services are concluding. “People feel they are being harassed, verbally assaulted, or, in some cases, victims of a physical attack,” she noted, underscoring the need for improved lighting to enhance safety.

She referenced the positive transformation in Davis Street, which had previously faced safety issues. With the introduction of festoon lights on Catherine Street, O’Donovan observed a marked improvement in safety perceptions. “I find Catherine Street a lot safer to walk down as it has the festoon lighting on it. A lot of the pubs will tell you the same thing,” she stated.

O’Donovan’s motion to expand the lighting initiative received support from her colleagues, including Cllr Shane Hickey-O’Mara and Cllr Sarah Kiely. Cllr Kiely pointed out that previous attempts to install festoon lights on Wickham Street had faced obstacles due to installation issues, despite the availability of special funding.

Despite the enthusiasm expressed by O’Donovan and her colleagues, council engineer John O’Keeffe tempered expectations by stating that festoon lights are “not suitable as a public lighting solution.” He further noted, “Delivery of decorative festoon-type lighting is not possible through the public lighting maintenance budget.”

Nevertheless, Kieran Lehane intervened, suggesting that the council could still explore the possibility of funding the initiative through its devolved budget. O’Donovan also advocated for general upgrades to street lighting in Upper William Street, Parnell Street, and Wickham Street, although O’Keeffe indicated that such upgrades were unlikely to occur in the near future.

As discussions continue, the council remains committed to enhancing public safety and community engagement through innovative lighting solutions, with the hope that these initiatives will foster a more welcoming environment for Limerick residents and visitors alike.