An ambitious new conservation and management strategy for one of Ireland's most intact walled towns was unveiled in Co Limerick today.

Public Works Minister Martin Mansergh officially launched the Kilmallock Town Walls Conservation and Management Plan, and Kilmallock Walled Town Public Realm Plan.

Initiated by Limerick County Council, under the Irish Walled Towns Network Action Plan 2006-08, the strategies are geared towards developing a greater appreciation of and access to the historic Town Walls, and boosting local tourism.

Among the potential projects and initiatives earmarked for the town is the reopening of the local railway station and the development of interpretative facilities and looped heritage walkways.

Commenting at today's official launch of the plans, Sarah McCutcheon, Executive Archaeologist, Limerick County Council said: "Kilmallock was a town of considerable importance in the late medieval period, ranking as one of the main urban areas in Ireland at the time.

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"The town walls are of national significance, but their potential as a major heritage asset for the town has not been fully exploited up until now."

The primary objective of the Public Realm Plan is to identify specific initiatives, schemes and projects that improve the town’s infrastructure with particular emphasis on its walled town status.

The initiatives include the possible reopening of Kilmallock Railway Station, the establishment of walking loops and interpretation facilities, improvements to the existing streetscape and open spaces, and the erection of signage and visitor orientation, including artwork, at strategic locations within and on the approaches to the town.

The Kilmallock Town Walls Conservation and Management Plan will provide an understanding of the town walls and their setting.

The plan also defines policies to protect and manage the town walls.

The Department of the Environment funded the newly launched plans through the Irish Walled Town Network and The Heritage Council.

Engineering consultancy firm Gifford Ltd. carried out the Conservation and Management Plan, in conjunction with PLB, while Nicholas De Jong Associates compiled the Public Realm Plan. Both plans were prepared under the direction of, and following several meetings with, a dedicated Steering Group comprising representatives of the local community, Limerick County Council, the Office of Public Works and the National Monuments Service.

(PR/JM)