Public Realm is definitely a recent buzz word.
From what I have observed on St. Patrick’s Street, Cork; Cornmarket St., Cork; Limerick Railway Station; and, Tralee, there appears to be a formula of sorts including:
Limestone paving, laid to an irregular pattern, with some colour or granite thrown in for good measure
Some timber or stone plinths for seating, but not so comfortable so as to encourage one to stay too long
Stainless steel or maybe timber block traffic bollards with some stainless or colourful bike racks
And some funky light fittings
All involved in the reallocation of vehicular space to pedestrian space.
From what I have observed on St. Patrick’s Street, Cork; Cornmarket St., Cork; Limerick Railway Station; and, Tralee, there appears to be a formula of sorts including:
Limestone paving, laid to an irregular pattern, with some colour or granite thrown in for good measure
Some timber or stone plinths for seating, but not so comfortable so as to encourage one to stay too long
Stainless steel or maybe timber block traffic bollards with some stainless or colourful bike racks
And some funky light fittings
All involved in the reallocation of vehicular space to pedestrian space.
 Splitting The Atom |  An Spailpín Fánach |
| Personally, I would like to see more green in these Public Realm spaces – grass; trees; green walls – even herb or vegetable beds maintained by locals. I think that they would encourage greater use by the city residents and visitors. I would also love to see a sail like covering similar to the Limerick Milk Market and Temple Bar Square – then a town/city would have a useable multi-functional space and would facilitate gatherings and events. I am a fan of public sculptures and believe that they should be introduced in such Public Realm spaces – as Westport did successfully. Decent seating would be an improvement. My recent visit to Dungarvan added another item to that wish list.  Dungarvan - Home of Ireland's First Cycle Club |   Westport, Co. Mayo |
