'Too early to judge' Mayor of Limerick's superblock trial
Next few weeks will tell a tale as to whether Mayor John Moran’s trial is a success, says businessman
THE coming weekends will tell a better tale as to whether Mayor John Moran's superblock trial in the city is a success.
That's the view of city centre businessman Shane Gleeson, whose Spar shop lies in the heart of the area which is part of the pilot scheme.
An area of Georgian Limerick between Barrington Street and Roches Street, including Catherine Street, Dominic Street and Cecil Street are designated as ‘superblocks’ and will have their motor traffic access restricted each Sunday until the end of August. Council has stressed there are no road closures associated with the trial and drivers who need to get into the area will be able to.
The concept, which originated in Barcelona, generally involves redesignating a group of city streets so that motorists cannot use them as through routes - that means drivers travelling from one side of the area to the other.
Cars can still get into the area if people live there, are making deliveries or require other access. Emergency service vehicles and taxis will also have access. There's a mixed reaction to the superblocks concept, with some supportive believing it could make the city more vibrant and family friendly, but others expressing concern over disruption to traffic.
Last Sunday was the first day of the superblock trial in Limerick, and Mr Gleeson said he felt footfall had fallen in the city centre compared to the previous Sunday.
But he acknowledged this could be down to the fact that tens of thousands of Limerick supporters were in Croke Park cheering the senior hurlers into another All-Ireland final.
The businessman claimed there were a number of near accidents, however, from drivers trying to get through roads partially blocked off by planters installed by council.
Consequent to this, people were having to reverse onto main streets, he explained.
"My wife had it on the corner of Glentworth Street and O'Connell Street. She was trying to go to the shops at Henry Street, and a van tried to come up against her. The van driver couldn't get through. My wife could not go back as there were people behind her. So the van driver wound up having to reverse onto O'Connell Street," explained Mr Gleeson.
He believes it is only because the city centre was relatively quiet, and the drivers involved were responsible that an accident did not happen.