Limerick Council lodges Castletroy Link Road planning application with An Bord Pleanála

LIMERICK City and County Council has lodged a planning application to An Bord Pleanála proposing the construction of a new distributor road in Castletroy.

The proposals would link the Golf Links Road from the Schoolhouse Road junction with the Groody Road at the southern leg of Kilbane Roundabout.

The strategically important project would help expand the overall road, pedestrian and cycle network of the east side of the city, while opening up landlocked zoned lands for development in the process.

Limerick Council, via funding from the National Transport Authority (NTA), has brought the project to planning stages.

The proposed road, a distance of approximately 680m in length, will be a distributor road consisting of a 9.7m wide (approx.) carriageway. This carriageway is proposed to be made up of a 3.5m wide bus lane, footpaths, a segregated cycle track and planted verges with road embankment side slopes.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented:

“Enhancing transport options in Castletroy is a key part of the work of the five year More for Limerick Programme as we continue to develop the east side of the city. This includes progressing walking, cycling and public transport options as part of a suite of measures to progress connectivity and reduce congestion. The Castletroy Link Road can be a vital piece in the puzzle of a stronger, more connected Limerick. I welcome the lodging of the application to An Bord Pleanála, with the continued development of good quality infrastructure integral to the continued prosperity of the area.”

Príomh Comhairleoir of Limerick Council, Cllr Dan McSweeney, said:

“The lodgment of this planning application marks an important step in our commitment to enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in Limerick city and its environs. This project can foster opportunity, facilitate further growth and ensure a more sustainable future for those living, working and studying in the Castletroy area.”

Director of Transportation and Mobility with Limerick Council, Brian Kennedy, added:

“Getting this project to this key stage is a big moment for Castletroy and Limerick, and I commend the Active Travel team in getting it to this point. This project will change the makeup of the network in the Castletroy area for good, potentially acting as a social and economic catalyst on the east side of our city. We look forward to completing the planning process and moving on to develop these works.”

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The application, in accordance with Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) includes:

A new distributor road of approximately 680m in length with a cross section consisting of 9.7m wide carriageway including a 3.5m wide bus lane, footpaths, segregated cycletrack, planted verges with one in two road embankment side slopes.

Upgrading of both the Schoolhouse Road/Golf Links Road junction and the Kilbane roundabout to a signalised protected junction arrangement.

Tree and vegetation removal with tree re-planting and associated landscaping works.

Provision of new surface water drainage and associated works required including an attenuation pond to the western side of the scheme with 2m high paladine fencing, access tracks and access gate to agricultural lands.

Proposed realignment of the existing open drainage channels including 3no. box culvert crossings.

Provision of bus stop infrastructure with toucan crossing facility for pedestrians and cyclists.

Fencing, LED public lighting, safety barriers, road signage, traffic signal poles and all associated site development works.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development.

A copy of the plans and particulars including the Natura Impact Statement will be available for inspection and or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, from March 3 to April 17 during public opening hours (excluding bank holidays) at the Customer Services Desk, Limerick City and County Council, Merchant’s Quay, Limerick, V94 EH90 and at the Planning and Environmental Services Department, Limerick City and County Council Offices, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick, V94 WV78.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development will also be available for inspection online during the above timeframe here.

Submissions or observations may be made in writing only to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 in respect of: The implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned, the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, if carried out, and the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European site, if carried out.

Any submissions or observations must be received by An Bord Pleanála no later than 5.30pm on Thursday, April 17.