Irate business people say a lack of foresight and poor traffic management has seen business take a major downturn in Thomas Street and several other adjoining streets.

"We appreciate the efforts being made by the council to meet with us and keep us updated on what their plans are for the area but they aren't acting on our concerns at all," says Maria Costelloe, director and co-owner of Eats of Eden on Thomas Street.

The health shop has experienced a drop in business in January for the first time in five years, according to Ms Costelloe.

"It was very poor planning on the council's behalf to start this development at the same time as there were three other sites in such close proximity to the street. It really can be appalling, it would be easier to run a business out of Beirut at times. The main issues are traffic management and the everyday running of the site. Builders are constantly parking here illegally," said Ms Costelloe.

Co-owner of Bella Italia, Caroline McMahon, said she was becoming increasingly frightened about the effect being in the middle of several building sites was having on her business.

Vincent Murray, head of the Roads and Traffic Department in City Council said: "It was inevitable that once Thomas St was pedestrianised, private landowners would also take the opportunity to develop property on the street.

For more see Wednesday's Limerick Leader