Limerick Cycling Campaign calls for urgent fast-tracking of BusConnects Limerick

LIMERICK Cycling Campaign has called on all relevant stakeholders to urgently fast-track the delivery of BusConnects Limerick, warning that further delays risk undermining the future livability, sustainability, and economic resilience of the city.

BusConnects Limerick is essential to creating a city where walking, cycling, and public transport are safe, reliable, and attractive options for everyone. A fast, frequent bus network, integrated with continuous, high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure, will make Limerick’s streets safer, its air cleaner, and its communities stronger.

“For too long, Limerick has struggled with car dependency, congestion, and public spaces dominated by through-traffic,” said Conor Buckley, Chair of Limerick Cycling Campaign. “BusConnects offers a chance to break that cycle and deliver a healthier, greener, more connected city. But this vision is at risk if BusConnects Limerick is delayed, watered down, or delivered without urgency.”

Limerick Cycling Campaign outlined that sustainable transport must be delivered as a complete system, where BusConnects, safe cycle lanes, and walkable streets work together to provide real alternatives to car dependency.

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“A rebalanced transport system means quieter streets where children can cycle to school. It means vibrant neighbourhoods where local businesses can thrive. It means a city where you don’t have to own a car to get to work, college, or medical appointments. It’s not just about buses – it’s about people, places, opportunities and a better quality of life,” Mr Buckley added.

Limerick Cycling Campaign is adding its voice to the growing calls - led by the Limerick Chamber and echoed by a number of local elected representatives - for immediate progress.

They're calling on Mayor John Moran and Limerick City and County Council to seize this moment to shape a more liveable, vibrant city by making the delivery of BusConnects, safe cycling infrastructure, and public realm improvements their top priority. They are urging the National Transport Authority (NTA) to fully back an ambitious, people-first vision for Limerick - one that will unlock safer streets, stronger communities, and real transport choice for all.

They also call on the Department of Transport and Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien to provide the leadership, funding, and policy support needed to deliver BusConnects at pace, positioning Limerick as a national example of how sustainable transport investment can revitalise a city and improve quality of life for everyone.

This vision includes a revitalised city centre with welcoming, people-friendly streets. BusConnects will deliver seamless links to employment hubs like Raheen and Annacotty, enabling workers to commute safely and affordably. Equally important is ensuring transport equity: everyone, regardless of age, income or ability, should be able to access education, healthcare, training, and cultural opportunities with ease.

A car-only system fails everyone. Galway, for example, has been ranked among the most congested cities globally, with drivers losing over 73 hours annually due to traffic delays. Similarly, Cork faces severe congestion issues, ranking 38th worldwide, ahead of cities like London and Rome. These examples highlight the consequences of neglecting sustainable transport solutions. Limerick has the opportunity to learn from these challenges and prioritise a more balanced, multimodal transport system.

The Campaign warned that every year of delay risks locking in more car dependency and continuing the cycle of unsafe streets and limited mobility choices.

“BusConnects is about giving Limerick a real, liveable future - where taking the bus, walking or cycling is the easy, natural choice for everyone. We cannot miss this moment,” Mr Buckley added.