One billion euro transport plan could see removal of traffic from 'hostile' Limerick bridge
A NEW nearly €1 billion transport plan for Limerick could see the removal of private cars from O'Connell Street and Sarsfield Bridge.
The National Transport Authority has published the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS), which provides a roadmap for transport in the region over the next 20 years.
The implementation of the strategy will "transform" the region once it is implemented by the NTA, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Limerick City and County Council and Clare County Council.
It is expected that almost €1 billion will be spent to implement the strategy across pedestrian, cycling, rail, bus and road networks.
One of the most potentially controversial parts of the strategy is the plan to remove general traffic from Sarsfield Bridge and O'Connell Street.
Under the plan, only buses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians would be allowed to use these routes.
The strategy describes these areas as "narrow, heavily trafficked and hostile environments for pedestrians and cyclists".
It is the intention of the NTA and Limerick City and County Council to examine the feasibility of providing priority for bus services using Thomond and Shannon Bridge.
Almost €500 million has been outlined to improve bus services throughout Limerick and the surrounding region.
The strategy outlines a plan to increase city bus capacity by 400% with buses on O'Connell street running every two minutes.
It is proposed that €50 million will be spent on improving pedestrian links in the region including the pedestrianisation of streets in the city centre.
The report also outlines plans for works on rail services including new stations at Moyross and Ballysimon, with a park and ride facility planned for the latter.
A total of €70 million has been proposed to be spent on cycling infrastructure including a new pedestrian/cycling bridge over the River Shannon.