William Street Welcomes New Illuminated Features Posted on December 20th, 2011

More than twenty new illuminated cones have been installed on Limerick’s William Street providing a colourful addition to one of the city’s best known shopping streets.

The distinctive features are part of the completed William Street remodelling contract and are intended to provide a colourful addition contributing to the enhanced image of the street which has welcomed a number of new shops in recent weeks.

Constructed from high quality materials, the distinctive shape of the cones presents a contemporary feel that reinforces the pedestrian emphasis of the new streetscape.

“The design of the cones allows the graphics to be changed according to special events or times of the year, for example, for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Riverfest and other festivals,” explained Nicholas de Jong, lead consultant, William Street Re-modelling Programme. “The cones are complemented by banners attached to lampposts, which can also be changed on a more regular basis. It is hoped that the traders will become actively involved with the future design possibilities of both the illuminated cones and the banners, helping to promote the interest of the street and the general shopping experience.”

The cones, which are illuminated in the evening time, have been installed as part of the William Street improvement scheme, part of the Limerick City Centre Re-modelling of Streets and Public Open Spaces Programme, led by Limerick City Council Transport & Infrastructure department.

This ambitious initiative which consists of widened pavements, re-surfacing, improved street lighting, signage and public transport facilities was developed to make the City Centre a visitor friendly environment and a far more attractive place in which to shop, visit and do business.

Vincent Murray, senior engineer, Limerick City Council said the re-modelling of Limerick City Centre has been under-way since 2001, comprising the creation of a new public square at Baker Place, streetscape improvements at Lower Bedford Row, and a major transformation of Upper Bedford Row (between Henry Street and O’Connell Street).

“Substantial upgrade works have also been carried out on Thomas Street, Little Catherine Street, Augustinian Land, Foxes Bow and Block 1 of Catherine Street. Along the riverside, major public realm improvements have also been completed at O’Callaghan Strand and Clancy Strand including the new Board walk all of which demonstrate the City Council’s commitment to revitalising Limerick City Centre,” he added.

Mr Murray said development of the William Street/Sarsfield Street project had entailed extensive on-going consultation with key stakeholders and the local business and residential community on the street and that Limerick City Council was grateful to the stakeholders for the level of cooperation and goodwill it had received during the process.

Full details of shopping and events in Limerick city centre over the Christmas period can be found on limerick.ie/Christmas