RESIDENTS IN one of the country’s biggest local authority housing estates have joined forces with a team of graffiti artists in an effort to help brighten up derelict houses in their estate.
The Painted Places project, which involves painting metal sheets used to secure vacant properties, will be officially unveiled today in St Mary’s Park estate, Limerick.
The council estate is one of four Limerick housing estates that was earmarked for transformation under the €1.7 billion regeneration plan.
There are serious concerns for the future of the plan due to the economic climate, and the Government is due to make a decision on the first phase of the implementation plan by the end of this month.
The project, spearheaded by the Southside Community Co-ordinator team, involved painting the metal sheets that are used to secure empty properties in order to give an impression that the houses are occupied. It is hoped that this project will improve the outlook for residents in the area.
“We chose four vacant properties on St Munchin’s Street which are in close proximity to each other to give maximum effect.
“We had a look around the estate and, because these were four houses close together, we felt it would give the biggest impact,” explained Jenny Stone, Southside Community co-ordinator.
“This is a pilot project, and hopefully if it is successful we will be able to work with other groups to continue it,” Ms Stone added.
Mother and daughter team Teresa and Michelle Sheehy from St Ita’s Street in St Mary’s Park were among those involved in the project with graffiti artists from Limerick company All Out Design.
“It will be nice to look at and will be bright and cheerful, and it will certainly be nicer than looking at a vacant house,” said Michelle (28).
“I think it would be great to see this project expanded, as it will certainly brighten the place up,” said Teresa Sheehy.
Limerick’s deputy mayor Denis McCarthy was also present at St Mary’s Youth and Community Centre.
“Unfortunately in parts of this area and other regeneration areas you have a lot of houses that are boarded up, and people don’t like that, but this is a great way of getting people to take pride in their community and to get involved,” said Mr McCarthy.
Fifteen-year-olds Katie Ryan and Teresa McGrath both live on St Munchin’s Street where the painted sheets will be placed.
“It will definitely be better than what we are looking at now, ” said the girls.