Residents raise concerns over rail line works near Limerick homes
RESIDENTS in a Limerick suburb have raised concerns over the clearance of vegetation behind their homes along a soon-to-be reopened rail line.
Locals in Dooradoyle, specifically the areas of Glencairin, Springfields, Huntsfield and Kilteragh say their homes have now been made less private due to the works.
Irish Rail have started to remove trees and vegetation along the rail line in preparation for the reopening of the Limerick to Foynes rail service.
Locals have raised concerns regarding the noise levels from the M20 motorway which they say has now been made worse by the removal of the vegetation.
Local resident Mary Barry said there has been no contact between the parties involved and the residents, with locals getting their information from the media.
“The line has been disused since I bought the house in 2000 and we always knew there was some possibility that it would be used again but we haven't been told anything.
“The JCBs just turned up last weekend and started clearing it all away. We are not trying to stop progress. The line reopening is good for everyone in the long run we are just looking for a bit of respect and courtesy because we at the end of the day are the most impacted by it.”
Mary said the motorway traffic can now see into the back gardens of the homes and that the noise pollution has gone “through the roof”.
“The 20 years of vegetation used to help some bit with the noise but that is all gone now. There is an incredible amount of noise.
“We also have the issue of teenagers hanging out on the line. I have had cans thrown in my garden. The security at the back of the houses is gone”.
Fine Gael]s Cllr Daniel Butler met with Irish Rail representatives and requested mitigation measures on behalf of the residents.
“I expressed concerns around the absence of consultation regarding the works. Residents should have been notified but the leaflet for some reason was not dropped locally. This letter will be dropped with key information being contact details for them to raise issues or ask questions.
“Public meetings will be held where people will be able to ask questions and raise concerns, these will be held at a later date”.
Mr Butler said that he has requested plants or fencing to be erected along the line where the vegetation was taken away.
Irish Rail representatives confirmed that these works are part of the overall plans and are included in the budget.