Viral video shows bus getting stuck on new Limerick roundabout

A VIRAL video posted on social media has displayed a bus driver struggling to turn on the new roundabout on the Old Cork Road / Kilmallock Road.

The TFI bus can be seen attempting to loop around the roundabout to drive back the way it came before getting stuck in the middle of the traffic circle, stopping motorists from moving onto the roundabout.

Many locals commented on the video saying the situation was a "joke" and "scandalous."

The popular Facebook page, 'Limericks Word On The Street', was sent in a photo of a satirical t-shirt, poking fun at the roundabout. The post asked if there are any survivors of the Ros Mor roundabout.

The page admin also posted the viral video of the bus, saying "I wouldn't blame the bus driver this roundabout is a hazard."

The aforementioned clip on Facebook has been viewed over 70,000 times.

The new new three-arm roundabout just a mile outside the city has been open to use by motorists over the past month. Locals and motorists have argued that the roundabout's layout is confusing, posing a safety hazard and are demanding immediate action to fix it.

When Limerick Live visited the site, we witnessed a number of vehicles - cars, trucks and buses - driving straight over the raised circle area and making no attempt to go around the designated roadway circling the large circle.

One of the cars which did follow the roadway hit the kerbing on the outside.  

It is understood that the new roundabout was completed four weeks ago and construction works took place over a six or seven-month period prior to this.

A spokesperson for Limerick City & County Council previously gave the following statement on the matter. “The Ros Mor/Kilmallock Road Active Travel Scheme was approved by councillors via a Part 8 planning application in October 2022, having gone through a statutory public consultation process. The project has been subject to a full, independent Road Safety Audit.

“As part of the project, a new three-arm roundabout to the entrance of the housing estate is being constructed. The roundabout is required to expand the bus service to this location, as required under local transport policy, i.e. the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040.

The Active Travel team and the appointed contractor on site is continuing to engage with local residents and other stakeholders as construction on the project approaches its final stages. The scheme is anticipated to be completed in Q3 of 2024,” stated a council spokesperson.