Council management insists bus lane plan must go ahead

MANAGEMENT at Limerick City Council are determined to face down moves by elected council members who want to block the provision of a key bus lane into the city centre.

City manager Tom Mackey has made it clear the decision on the bus lane is an executive matter which rests with his office.

Mayor Maria Byrne has tabled a notice of motion for a special meeting for Monday, August 23.

A section 140 move to block the green routes by Cllr Pat Kennedy was withdrawn after one of the three signatories necessary withdrew his support.

Senior management andmembers of the council had a face-to-face meeting on Wednesday.

Pat Dromey, director of services, said as far as management was concerned, it was “all systems go” for the bus lane which he said was essential for the proper development of the city.

A sum of €2.5 million has been set aside for phase one of the bus lane development, which will run from the new flyover bridge at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle to Punch’s Cross.

Phase two, which will cost an estimated €2.4m, is scheduled for completion next year and will bring the bus route from Punch’s Cross into Mallow Street in the city centre.

Mr Dromey said the route will not need to go through the planning process as there was no intention to widen the roadway, but rather reassign road space.

He said there are huge benefits to be derived from a new bus lane.

“We believe it is necessary for the economic development of Limerick and it is in line with government policy. It will help develop park and ride facilities and we need to make Limerick a modern, progressive city. This bus lane is a key to achieving this. It is a key route taking in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, schools, businesses and the city centre.”

The provision of the bus route, he said, would enable all service providers to gear up to take advantage of the new bus route.

Mr Dromey it was now planned to move ahead to tender stage. He expected work on site would commence within four to six weeks.

Phase one of the new bus lane, he said, should be open within eight or nine months.

Mr Dromey said they have taken all issues raised by residents and councillors very seriously and would address them as far as possible.

Bus lanes have already been opened in the city at Mulgrave Street, Childers Road and a section of the Ennis Road near the Regional Maternity Hospital.

Limerick County Council created a bus lane from Raheen to Dooradoyle Shopping Centre but it comes to a dead halt at the city-county boundary.