‘Go back to drawing board’ - Questions raised over plans for ‘plaza’ in Limerick village

QUESTIONS have been raised by councillors over plans to upgrade the former post office and village square in Croom.

Councillors were given a presentation on the project, which includes creating a new ‘plaza’ and converting the old post office into a tourism and community craft hub.

At the February meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, councillors raised concerns about the impact on parking and the condition of the former post office which has been vacant for a number of years.

They also asked council officials to clarify if parts of the building could be knocked or altered, given its protected status.

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Cllr John O'Donoghue said he was “delighted” to hear the square is finally being looked at as the area is currently “not in a great state.” However, he raised concerns over roads and traffic, citing expected increases once the new N/M20 is built.

He highlighted the layout of the adjacent T-junction and pointed out that Bus Éireann will not provide additional services in the village due to traffic congestion.

He also questioned the impact on parking, saying there is already “very little parking” in Croom. Cllr O’Donoghue also asked who would run the new hub if it is converted into a working space.

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Cllr Adam Teskey said he believes Croom has a “prosperous future” but said he is “a small bit concerned” that the project is confined to one area within the village rather than being part of a wider rejuvenation plan.

Cllr Bridie Collins also welcomed the public realm project but echoed Cllr O’Donoghue’s concerns about parking, saying it is “a real stickler for businesses in particular and their clients.”

She also expressed hope that the scheme could help connect Croom, Ballingarry, and Adare to the Greenway, which she described as the “meat and bones of tourism.”

Cllr Stephen Keary expressed concern about the cost and likely timeframe to complete the project.

He also noted that there are considerable constraints restricting new developments in Croom, given the inadequate Uisce Eireann infrastructure in the village.