Kilteery Pier proposals stay afloat

A PART 8 proposal for a single-storey pavilion and pier wall consisting of public changing facilities, a public communal space, a lifeguard station, and WC at Kilteery Pier in Loghill was passed by Limerick councillors despite their lukewarm response. The proposed €400,000 scheme – which will facilitate remedial works to the pier, including repointing of pier flagstones, canted pier wall, and cut stone steps – did not leave members of Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District dripping with enthusiasm at the special meeting. Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey was completely drained by what was being recommended, deeming the plans a “bike shed on steroids”.  He also raised concerns about the potential for the public changing facilities to be flooded due to their proximity to the Shannon. “I do think there’s an onus on us to minify what could happen here,” Cllr Teskey declared. Fianna Fáil councillor Bridie Collins took the view that the Council carried out a lot of work on the proposal and engaged with the local community at length. She also raised concerns that they would miss the boat on available funding streams if they rejected the Part 8. “This is hugely advantageous. I think it could be transformative in terms of providing for outdoor recreation, and making it accessible to all. It’s not just for a group of swimmers, it can be open to everybody, the whole community,” Cllr Collins enthused. “It’s not perfect, but we’re just going to have to move on now and see whether or not that it can actually be funded properly. So, for the very reason that we may not ever get the funding back again, then I’d like to propose the Part 8 as it stands,” she said. Cllr Stephen Keary (FG) raised concerns about anti-social behaviour at Kilteery Pier, urging the local authority to consider electric bollards to deter crime. “I see it out in Croagh where they are dealing drugs and other activities. It’s a problem at the hurling field. Now is our opportunity to put in an electric gate as part of this scheme. There are currently anti-social activities taking place at Kilteery Pier as we speak,” he insisted. In his last act as Cathaoirleach of Adare-Rathkeale district, Cllr Ger Ward (FF) suggested that Council members talk privately before making a final decision on the proposal. On their return 10 minutes later, Cllr Keary seconded the Part 8 proposal with conditions, insisting on a wheelchair accessible toilet and bollards to prevent anti-social behaviour. Cllr Adam Teskey wanted it noted that he welcomed the whole concept of the proposal but would not support it without accurate costings, saying: “I’m absolutely flabbergasted. We’re literally signing an open cheque book for projects of this nature without a list of what it’s going to cost.” The post Kilteery Pier proposals stay afloat appeared first on Limerick Post.