TOWN’S LIBRARY PARK IS READY

Development is on site of old JFK pool

A STATE- OF-THE-ART park in the centre of New Ross will revitalise the town centre, it is hoped.

The Library Park of Time and Knowledge at Barrack Lane is being officially opened tomorrow ( Wednesday) evening by district cathaoirleach Michael Sheehan in one of his last official duties as cathaoirleach.

The park, which sits on the site of the former John F Kennedy Memorial Swimming Pool, boasts an amphitheatre with a sundial in the form of a fountain pen and ink pot.

Time is one of the park’s main themes, with 60 birch trees representing 60 minutes. There are 24 steps in the amphitheatre representing the 24 hours of the day and there are 12 seats representing the months of the year. There is also an ogham path and a monastic way with allusions to the Book of Kells.

Cllr Sheehan said the new park will open up the town centre for development. ‘ This is a great asset to the town centre and we are now working on proposals for High Hill and John Street which will really revitalise the centre of New Ross.’

It is not known yet how much the Library Park cost to construct but the expected cost of the first phase was said to be in the region of €200,000 while the second phase was expected to cost a significant amount.

Cllr Sheehan said he expects the amphitheatre to host many films, concerts and gatherings.