The selection of O'Connell Avenue, the Ennis Road and Mulgrave Street as preferred routes has proven controversial, with councillors backing local residents and businesses fiercely opposed to the proposals.

Mr Mackey said at last night's meeting of Limerick City Council that Limerick was lagging behind other cities in providing bus lanes, for which money was available from Government.

And the manager had signalled at past meetings that he was willing to use his executive powers by making a managerial order on "green routes" under the Road Traffic Act.

But a motion proposed by Cllr Pat Kennedy and seconded by Cllr Maria Byrne – and passed without opposition last night – puts the green routes programme back under Part VIII of the planning process (the local authority's own development). While councillors could do nothing to oppose an executive function of management, they can approve or disapprove plans under Part VIII.

"Three years ago, Limerick City Council embarked upon a Part VIII and only abandoned it in February. Why? Because he (the city manager) knew councillors would have the final say. If he would re-engage in Part VIII, he would have good faith restored.

"As long as we're here, we will ensure democracy prevails," Cllr Kennedy said.

Amid confusion in the Council chamber, councillors adopted the motion before Mr Mackey, who had earlier expressed "concern" in relation to it, was not afforded the opportunity to advise the members on it or explain his concerns.

Cllr Byrne and Cllr Kennedy agreed to defer a related motion asking for proposed bus lanes along Ballinacurra Road/ O'Connell Avenue and Mulgrave Street/Roches Street to be scrapped.