Tourism minister Catherine Martin has announced the locations where projects of scale will be developed that will transform and re-imagine urban spaces.

Following a competitive process, the pilot €5 million Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme will fund urban animation projects in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Waterford and Dublin.

The minster said that the stories, culture, history and heritage of these locations will be brought to life through a variety of large-scale outdoor performance spaces, public art and light installations.

According to Martin: “These projects will help re-invigorate these urban areas and increase their tourism appeal. This is important in attracting visitors to our towns and cities and increasing dwell time to support local tourism and hospitality businesses and jobs.

“It is also important to note that these projects will be sustainable and in line with environmental best practice. This funding announcement further strengthens this government’s commitment to developing the regions.”

In Association with

Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, added: “Our pilot scheme will support Local Authorities to enhance urban areas and I want to thank Minister Martin for securing the €5 million funding. Funding for the scheme is subject to terms and conditions of eligibility being met. “

Urban Animation Locations

Dublin City Council (€847,000)
A flexible cultural hub at Smithfield Square will include a carousel, an outdoor gallery (including media screens to promote upcoming cultural events), an outdoor performance space and a multi-functional indoor space which can be used by creative organisations.

Cork City Council (€673,000)
Five impactful public art works at locations across the city centre; the GPO, Exchange buildings, Carey’s Lane, Cook St. & Coal Quay and Cornmarket St., will create a trail highlighting Cork’s collective culture and heritage.

Galway City Council (€1,031,000)
A signature lighting installation at Woodquay Park featuring a hand carved steel sphere will reflect the stories and traditions of Galway alongside a traditional Galway Hooker and intimate performance space.

Kilkenny County Council (€440,000)
Installations at five locations across the city will reflect Kilkenny’s medieval heritage, culture and creativity including a Cartoon Saloon Mural at Watergate Performance Space, an upcycled Copper Tank at Brewhouse Square at the Abbey Quarter, a sculpture adjacent to Riverside Park, digital Culture Screens and lighting of the Butterslip and Market Slip to encourage visitors to the newly developed Market Square outdoor dining experience.

Limerick City and County Council (€533,000)
Newton’s Prism, a monumental rotating equilateral prism will be built at the junction of Lower Thomas St. and O’Connell St.

Louth County Council (€672,000)
Five landmark buildings and structures in Drogheda’s historic streetscape will be brought to life to tell the myths and legends associated with the River Boyne through lighting installations and street art: Barlow House, St. Peter's Church, Millmount, St. Laurence's Gate, Scotch Hall and The Boyne Viaduct.

Waterford City and County Council (€539,000)
City of Lights – 21 illumination installations across Waterford City will connect the City’s four zones: Viking Triangle, Cultural Quarter, Retail Spine and Apple Market.

Photo: Dublin Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland, Liz Halpin and Orla Carroll of Fáilte Ireland, and Coilin O’Reilly of Dublin City Council. (Pic: Julien Behal)