Traffic ‘nightmare’: Limerick ring road ‘more important’ than bypass
COUNCILLORS in Limerick have again called for a long-awaited southern distributor road for Newcastle West to help ease “nightmare” traffic congestion in the town.
The road was included in the last Newcastle West Local Area Plan with Cllr Michael Collins proposing it should be in the new draft plan for 2023 to 2029.
“We are waiting for it for 15 years. The town is heavily congested and especially at school time. We need to right the wrong of the southern distributor road not being in the plan,” said Cllr Collins, who was speaking at this month’s Newcastle West Municipal District meeting.
A special meeting was called in May to highlight the importance and need of the southern distributor road and to ensure it is included in the new proposed local area plan.
Cathaoirleach Tom Ruddle seconded Cllr Collins’ proposal.
“To me the ring road is more important than the bypass. It would solve much of the traffic problems and open more land to commercial use,” said Cllr Ruddle.
Cllr Jerome Scanlan said it is “essential” it is in the plan and spoke of the heavy traffic, particularly at school times.
“It needs to be managed,” said Cllr Scanlan.
Cllr Galvin said traffic in Newcastle West is a nightmare.
“There are unprecedented levels of traffic heading to the kingdom of Kerry. The town is choked with traffic,” said Cllr Galvin, who asked for updates on the bypasses of Newcastle West and Abbyefeale.
“We have to do everything we can to expedite the two bypasses,” said Cllr Galvin.
Cllr John Sheahan said: “We need diggers on the ground.”
Cllr Francis Foley said the bypasses of Adare, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale will encourage more companies to locate in west Limerick. When he was mayor, he said he attended a number of jobs announcements where the importance of connectivity was stressed.
Cllr Michael Collins raised his concerns about walls being broken down in estates for increased connectivity. He said there was an ongoing issue with a scrambler driving on footpaths, causing danger to pedestrians and affecting the peace and tranquility of estates in Newcastle West.
Cllr Sheahan said for 20 years they have been getting rid of rat runs in the city so “why introduce rat runs here?”
“The plan will fail if transport is not sorted,” said Cllr Sheahan.
Cllr Scanlan said estates should have their own identities and if somebody doesn’t respect that “they have another thing coming”.
The Independent councillor said even if people are going 10 minutes into town many will still get in their cars as we are never far from a shower in Ireland. While he welcome the aspirations over Active Travel, he said practicality is a different story.
Submissions on the local area plan can be made until 5pm on Monday, October 23 for consideration by the council before the local area plan is made.