Hundreds sign petition in opposition to road linking Limerick estates

HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition calling for a halt to plans to build a road through the middle of their estate.

Council is planning a new 400-metre roadway between Woodview and Moyross, with fresh proposals presented to locals last month.

Codenamed University Way, there is growing opposition in Woodview.

As of this Monday, 584 people had called on council to halt the plan “due to serious and escalating safety concerns”.

READ MORE: Limerick columnist explores the literary legacy of Limerick's Kate O'Brien

Residents say introducing a road through Woodview Park would effectively strip them of their safe residential right of way, transforming the estate into a traffic route rather than a protected living space.

Louise Hanney, who sits on the committee of the local residents association said: “Woodview is a unique estate. We have quite a lot of elderly people and young families in it. It’s an estate where everyone knows their neighbours. I have two young boys. They are out with their friends cycling and playing. I don’t need to worry about them going around the road. But putting the main road through the estate is a massive safety concern.”

Ms Hanney said residents are not against the idea of opening up Moyross - but there are many other routes which would not involve going through their estate.

She argued that already residents put up with illegal parking around the shopping centre. She also pointed to the driving test centre, and the impact University Way could have on learner motorists.

Since it’s a public project, it will be up to councillors to approve or reject the plans, with a vote later this year.

Council says the link is needed to improve pedestrian, cycle and vehicular access to link communities and educational sites.

To view the petition, click here.