Pedestrian crossing on 'death trap' Limerick road to be repainted

A PEDESTRIAN crossing on a road described as a “death-trap” is set to be repainted to make it safer.

Labour councillor Padraigh Reale has called for an immediate safety review of the crossing and surrounding road at Athlunkard Bridge following an incident in the area.

Council said it was hoping to have the crossing “re-lined” before Christmas, but this was dependent on the weather.

As of now, it has not happened, but, in readiness, council staff have removed tree limbs and vegetation at the crossing to improve visibility.

READ MORE: A main road into Limerick city has a transport priority lane - but no buses to serve it

Cllr Reale says time is of the essence.

“It’s one of the most heavily congested roads in Limerick. It's a main thoroughfare between Limerick and Clare. I sympathise with all users of that road - pedestrians, cyclists, runners and also car users. There are serious issues here. The crossing is too close to the road, and it's quite obscure. People are coming out from the Red Path area right onto traffic and it's causing issues,” he said.

His motion at the metropolitan meeting secured widespread support, with Cllr Shane Hickey-O’Mara, Social Democrats, describing the crossing as a “fingers-crossed and hope-for-the-best” one.

Cllr Sarah Beasley, Aontu, seconded the motion, adding the road is a “death-trap” and warned there will be another serious incident.

Cllr Olivia O’Sullivan, Fine Gael, also supported.