'Look to Norway, Denmark, Germany' for square ideas

Though Ireland doesn't have the sunny and warm climate of parts of continental Europe, there are ways of making the most of outside public spaces as is envisaged for Kilcullen's Market Square, writes Brian Byrne.

That was a focus for some discussion at the recent workshop on the proposed development of the square, which covered a wide range of aspects of the project.

Cllr Fintan Brett said the square should be opened down to the river and that there were building technologies available to make it useable by people even in the worst of weather, including retractable canopies. "If you're spending money, make sure that you spend it on the right things," he said. "Spend it on what suits the Irish weather."

Urban designer James Hennessy remarked that in fact people do sit outside in Ireland in bad weather, 'even on a cold December day', and that Kilcullen should look at examples of what they do in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. "Orientation is important, to have places where we can get the best from whatever sunlight there is."

He added that the eventual design should emphasise a nice ambience. "Keep it delicate, keep it beautiful."

EDITOR NB: Don't forget the Easter Market in the square this Saturday, from 9am.