*O’Regan Park in Newmarket-on-Fergus.
FLEXIBLE outdoor structures have been installed in Ennis, Kilfenora, Kilrush and Newmarket-on-Fergus.
An architectural initiative, the project initiated by Clare County Council looks to reimagine how outdoor public spaces are used across Clare.
Suitable to be erected in a variety of outdoor locations, the flexible outdoor structures are a series of demountable, transportable structures. The structures are designed to animate public space and will accommodate a variety of creative uses and outdoor performances or simply provide a social space to rest and enjoy.
This project has been funded by the Outdoor Public Space Scheme as promoted by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. This funding stream asks us to reimagine how we use our outdoor public spaces to promote creativity, performance and social exchange.
Ennis, Kilfenora, Kilrush and Newmarket-on-Fergus have seen the addition of the structures within the past fortnight.
It is intended that the roll-out of the structures will continue into the summer months and the structures will form boost the wide programme of festivals and outdoor activities across the county. The project was a collaboration between the Rural and Community Directorate, the Economic Development Directorate and the Municipal Districts of Clare County Council. The project team at Clare County Council worked closely with a multi-disciplinary design team led by GKMP Architects, and the structures were fabricated by Alan Meredith Studio Ltd.
Welcoming the project, Ann Reynolds, Director of Rural Development and Cultural Services, Clare County Council, said, “Clare is a county renowned for its rich artistic and musical culture. This project will bring about new ways of showcasing this unique culture in outdoor settings”.
Carmel Kirby, Director of Economic Development, Clare County Council, said, “The Flexible Outdoor Structures project will bring life and activity to key public spaces across the county”.
Tomás Prendeville, A/Senior Executive Architect, Clare County Council, said, “The Flexible Outdoor Structures project looks to reinforce our relationship with outdoor public space in a new and positive way, and I look forward to seeing the project in use by our communities and visitors alike”.
