A REVIEW of lighting in enclosed public parks across Limerick’s Metropolitan District is expected to be shared in March, following the concerns raised by residents who have felt unsafe in Shelbourne Park.
The review was discussed further at Tuesday’s meeting of the Climate Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), according to Social Democrats Councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara, who brought forward a motion on the issue last week.
The review of existing lighting has now commenced, with its findings due to be shared at the committee’s meeting in March. However, Cllr Hickey-O’Mara said he was disappointed that further action would not be pursued until the spring.
“While I’m glad that this review has commenced, it’s a pity that further actions will not be pursued until the spring,” he said.
He acknowledged that any further actions would need to be evidence-based but said that improving public lighting was one of the actions available to local councillors in addressing safety concerns.
“We know that safety in our city is a far-reaching, multi-faceted issue and that increased public lighting won’t solve it, but it’s one of the few actions available to us as local councillors and is worth pursuing,” he added.
Cllr Hickey-O’Mara said the issue was initially raised with him and Cllr Elisa O’Donovan by residents who regularly visit Shelbourne Park in the mornings before work.
The residents had reported feeling unsafe in the park and wanted to raise the issue as the darker months approached, Cllr Hickey-O’Mara explained.
Shelbourne Park and other enclosed public parks are due to open during hours of darkness as winter approaches, prompting concerns about the quality of existing lighting.
The review will examine lighting across enclosed public parks within the Metropolitan District, not only Shelbourne Park.
The findings are expected to inform any further action considered by the council.