Two local culture and heritage installations have been unveiled along Limerick Greenway, at Barnagh Point and Tullig Wood.
The additions take up the form of a dial-up audio box that, when turned on, will play traditional music and provide facts about local heritage and biodiversity. The boxes also include an Irish Sign Language (ISL) interactive element, signed by local Mary Kiely, for visitors who are deaf or hearing impaired. An interpretation video of the audio elements displays signed versions of the history and local songs such as ‘The Sweet Little Girl from Barnagh’ and ‘Rathcahill Hill.’
“Increasingly, as we share Limerick’s rich histories, it is important to us that inclusion is considered every step of the way,” commented Cllr Jerome Scanlan, who launched the initiative.
Kathleen Daffy, Community Resource Officer with Chime, the National Charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People said: “It’s great to see the work that has been done to ensure that an essential local amenity like Limerick Greenway is accessible to our community. With this brand-new accessible installation, visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing can access local heritage and music.”
“We’re delighted to bring two local heritage installations to Limerick Greenway with a taste of traditional music from the region. Set in the tranquil and scenic West Limerick countryside, Limerick Greenway is a hugely important recreational amenity and the new audio installations launched today will further enhance the experience for our visitors,” stated Eileen Coleman of the Tourism/Festival/Events Department at Limerick City and County Council.
Since its opening in Summer 2021, upwards of 2 million people have visited Limerick Green-way, which is a 40km off-road cycle/walk way through West Limerick which connects Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Ardagh, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale.