NTA 'waiting for green light' to proceed with Limerick BusConnects scheme

'We’re anxious to get on with that as quickly as possible, and the city centre will improve as a result,' says NTA official

Limerick City and County Council has opened a public consultation on changes to the city's current transport arrangements. File picture: Dan Linehan

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is "waiting for the green light" to proceed with BusConnects in Limerick amid warnings the city risks being left behind.

David Clements, a transportation planner with the NTA, said it wants to move ahead with the project, which is designed to deliver a 70% increase in bus services.

“We’re anxious to get on with that as quickly as possible, and the city centre will improve as a result," said Mr Clements. 

"More people will be able to get into the city quicker, more conveniently, spend more money in the city centre."

Earlier this year, it emerged that BusConnects Limerick would not begin until 2028, five years later than originally planned.

Mr Clements said the NTA does not have a deadline for the scheme and is “waiting for the green light to go ahead, hopefully in the next year”.

It comes as Limerick City and County Council opened a public consultation on changes to the city's current transport arrangements.

Proposals have been developed by the council, in conjunction with the NTA, as part of the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028.

Among the key proposals are the reintroduction of two-way traffic on Henry St, Sarsfield St, and William St, as well as a northbound two-way bus-only corridor on O'Connell St.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner at the consultation launch, Mr Moran said the BusConnects scheme needs to be made a priority by the Government.

“BusConnects in Limerick seems to keep getting pushed back and back. We want the Government to make it a priority with this budget coming in, and the quicker they can accelerate that, the quicker we can push on with this investment,” he said.

“You can't suddenly start changing the way people drive around the city unless you have the public transport that gives alternatives”.

On Wednesday, Limerick Chamber said the city “can’t afford to wait until 2028” for the scheme to be rolled out, “nearly nine years since it was first promised”.

“While Dublin races ahead and Cork nears launch, our region risks being left behind,” it said.

The chamber renewed calls to the Government to give Limerick an “immediate funding commitment” and a “clear, credible pathway to deliver it”.