Business leaders warn against dropping bus corridor plan

FAILURE to introduce controversial new bus routes in Limerick would have a negative impact on the future economic competitiveness of the city and region, the local Chamber of Commerce has warned.

Limerick City Council is determined to open up more bus lanes into the city centre, despite strong resistance from residents groups.

The local authority insists the city centre needs bus lane access and is pressing ahead with plans to open up a lane from the new bridge at the Crescent shopping centre into the city.

Limerick County Council, meanwhile, has already opened up bus lanes on the county side of the bridge.

Residents along Ballinacurra and O’Connell Avenue claim 94% opposition to the bus lane proposal.

Locals claim they will have no place to park in front of their houses if bus lanes are put in place.

In a statement yesterday, Limerick Chamber highlighted the urgent need for a workable solution that is best for the city.

“A high quality public transport system is the lifeblood of any modern city,” said chamber president Kieran MacSweeney. “Quality bus corridors along the major routes into the city will increase footfall in the centre and will have a positive impact on struggling businesses.

“To guarantee the success of a bus corridor into the city, it must link up with the corridors already constructed by Limerick County Council that currently stop at the boundary.

“Also, the development of a public transport schedule that responds to employment and recreational needs has to go hand in hand with the bus corridors,” he added.

Limerick Chamber has also pointed to the immediate benefits the construction of the bus corridor will bring to the local economy.

According to the statement issued yesterday, the bus scheme will cost €4.9 million and will provide 25 direct construction jobs for 18 months and 10 indirect jobs resulting in a wage contribution in excess of €2.5 million.

Additionally, over €1.5 million will be spent locally purchasing materials for the scheme.

“It is clearly important that the concerns of the residents along the proposed routes are addressed.

“We are aware that the Council has engaged in public consultation with residents and we urge them to do whatever is possible to accommodate their issues,” said Mr MacSweeney.