The proposed Orbital Route around the city centre will create a mainly one-way, two lane, clockwise traffic system in three sections.The route will encircle the city centre, beginning at Mallow Street, around to Henry Street, Arthur's Quay, Charlotte's Quay onto Clare Street, Cathedral Place onto Sexton Street, Parnell Street and back on to Mallow Street.
Nick de Jong of Nicholas de Jong Associates, responsible for the design of the transformed city centre, told City Councillors that it is planned to convert Charlotte Quay into a one-way system, while Clare Street on to the Dublin Road will remain a two-way. There will be enhanced pedestrian access around the St John's Square area into the city and it is envisaged that there will be a new Link Road between Mulgrave Street and Sexton Street.
The Council hope to raise the huge amount needed for this project from the coffers of the National Development Plan's €300m Gateways Innovation Fund. Limerick city is one of the nine National Spatial Strategy Gateway Centres pinpointed in the NDP for regional investment. City Manager Tom Mackey said the launch of the "highly achievable" plan was in good timing.
"We plan to lift Limerick's position so that it can compete with other cities in Ireland, so that Limerick has a city centre adequate to compare with any city in Europe," City Manager told City Councillors.
"We want to create a vibrant city centre, and give priority to the people who live there, work there and shop there rather than giving priority to traffic."
"There will be a lot of consultation with the public, and we will enter into more detailed consultation with the gardai, taxis and Bus Eireann as well as traders. So there is a way to go on this," Mr Mackey told Councillors.
Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Pat Dromey added: "The one-way orbital routes in city centres are considered a very efficient and safe way of moving traffic with up to 50 per cent less turning at junctions and a decreased risk of collision."
The plan will officially go for public consultation in mid-March, as part of the Part 8 process. A private information seminar for City Councillors will be held in the next two weeks.
Mayor Leddin commented:"By investing millions of euro in the city we are matching the confidence of investors in our city who have invested huge amounts of money already here."