'The only people using them are the Deliveroo boys': Anger at Limerick cycle lane plan
Lane pain for locals as more than 500 sign petition
MORE than 500 people on the northside have signed a petition in opposition to Active Travel works taking place in their community.
Thomondgate’s High Road and surrounding streets have been dug up as part of works to install a bike lane and associated infrastructure connecting Technological University of the Shannon in Moylish with the city centre.
Off the back of this, local property owner Michael Moore began a petition, which has been backed by local business people including Michelle Weng, who manages a restaurant in the area, the boss of Fine Wines in Thomondgate, Darren Joyce, John Garrahy, of the Treaty Veterinary Hospital, and John Moloney of Johnsey’s Friendly Store, who said trade at his shop has been “hammered”.
They have also secured the support of local TD Willie O’Dea, whose regular constituency office is located in Farranshone.
He’s described the situation as “chronic” and has taken aim at Limerick City and County Council over what he feels has been a lack of consultation with locals.
"People have been hard done by. It’s a Chinese government approach to local development from the council where you just go in and do it, and to hell with anyone who has any problem with it,” he said.
For its part, a spokesperson for the local authority outlined the stages of consultation it went through.
A design was presented to northside councillors in June 2022, with a planning process following this.
At this time, people had the chance to make written submissions, before the project was approved by metropolitan councillors in December 2022.
“Feedback on the Thomondgate and High Road area led to further consideration during detailed design, including engagement with Thomondgate Residents Association and development of a revised High Road-Thomondgate Road junction layout,” the council added.
Mr Moore questioned whether an economic assessment of the impact on local businesses had been carried out by council.
Mr Moloney, who employs 16 people, warned: “The way it is, if this lasts much longer, we won’t be here. They are putting in cycle lanes all over the place and the only people using them are the Deliveroo boys.”
Mr Moore said the way the scheme is being constructed is “unconscionable” and has “the potential to negatively and permanently affect businesses and access to homes.” He also suggested the bike lane is not being built in the interests of people based in the area, instead “out-of-area cycle lane commuters.”