Calls for Eircode markings on Limerick Greenway following tragedy

A COUNTY councillor has put down a notice of motion that location identifier points be placed along the Limerick Greenway in the interest of health and safety.

Cllr Jerome Scanlan, speaking at the October meeting of Newcastle West Municipal District, said there had been a tragedy in recent times.

Cllr Michael Collins seconded the motion, saying he had been contacted by a first responder group saying the current system is “not adequate”.

In response, a spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council said they “will review existing procedures on the Limerick Greenway and examine possible additions that could be made”.

The Limerick Leader contacted Cllr Scanlan following the meeting. He said he put down the motion after a “terrible tragedy” occurred on the Limerick Greenway.

Cllr Scanlan didn’t wish to go into too much detail out of respect for the family, only saying that a young person had died while out for a run.

Emergency services were immediately contacted.

“First and foremost there was nothing that could have been done on that occasion very sadly so we have to be careful, but the ambulance had difficulty identifying the point they needed to get to on the Greenway.

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“The point I am making is that in the future somebody could get a stroke, somebody could get a heart attack and the paramedics would be able to go straight to them when time is critical,” said Cllr Scanlan, who was contacted by Templeglantine First Responders regarding the matter.

Cllr Scanlan said in his view Eircode identifiers are needed along the Greenway.

“You would need to have them every 100 or 200 metres on signs along the Greenway and have an awareness campaign that they are there and this is what you do in case of an emergency. That is a very important part of it also,” said Cllr Scanlan.

Currently, he said, there are townlands and gate numbers along the Greenway.

“If one had the presence of mind of remembering what they are it would be a help but if you’re in a crisis situation you won’t.

With an Eircode the emergency services will go directly to where their expertise is needed.

“To be fair to Limerick City and County Council they are doing everything they can to introduce a system,” said Cllr Scanlan.

The Independent councillor also raised his concerns at a Travel and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee which featured a presentation on Greenways.

Record numbers flocked to the Limerick Greenway over the summer with more than 300,000 visits.

Limerick City and County Council is continuing to invest significantly to enhance visitor facilities on the Greenway, as more and more people are choosing the recreational outdoor amenity along the old Limerick to Kerry railway line as a go-to activity to explore with friends and family.