Residents vow to fight against planned bike lane plan in Limerick estate
Limerick City and County Council’s Active Travel measures spark anger locally
RESIDENTS have vowed to fight a council bid to install a bike lane through their estate.
As part of Active Travel plans, Limerick City and County Council was seeking to introduce a contra-flow cycle lane allowing cyclists to travel against the direction of traffic through both Oakview Drive and Ballinacurra Gardens on the southside.
In order to facilitate this, road markings are also planned, alongside bollards to “ensure safe route for cyclists”.
Locals have been left furious at the proposals, and it was standing room only at the Summerville Rovers FC clubhouse where the residents’ association organised a protest meeting.
Helen Barry, secretary of that group said: “There is strong opposition and real trepidation about the impact it will have on the local people, and the local environment. People are nervous about what will happen.”
Dozens of signatures have been added to a petition opposing the plans, and pressure is being brought to bear on local councillors to push for the rejection of the scheme.
Two councillors representing City West, where the estates are located attended the meeting – Labour’s Joe Leddin and Elisa O’Donovan of the Social Democrats.
Although some Section 38 proposals are decided by elected members, both councillors said they believe this proposal would ultimately be determined by local authority officials rather than put to a vote.
"It’s a minor change maybe to the council, but it’s a massive deal to the people of Ballinacurra Gardens and Oakview Drive. People are opposed because of safety concerns, because of concerns around anti-social behaviour,” Ms Barry said.
She also highlighted a new housing block for the over-55s being constructed at the corner of Greenfields and Oakview Drive.
"It’s not been built yet, but a concern I would have is if you are providing residences for over 55s, then putting a cycle lane on the path which they would cross on a regular basis, that’s a health and safety issue,” she said.
She also pointed to the growing use of e-scooters, especially among youngsters.
Ms Barry referenced the fact the speed limit is 30 kilometres-per-hour in Ballinacurra Gardens.
She feared some users of motorised bikes and e-scooters would exceed the speed limit without effective enforcement.
"There is a reason for our concern. I would like to think I’d have my wits about me, but I don’t know how well I’d adapt to this situation, never mind people who have lived in this locality for a long time, who may not always look left and right the moment they leave their driveway,” she said.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr O’Donovan said she has “serious concerns” over the cycle lane proposal.
She pointed out that following talks with Active Travel bosses, it was agreed to defer the project’s progression until September.
This, she hopes, will allow councillors in City West to fully reflect local opposition.
Cllr Leddin added: “There are genuine concerns. Ultimately, you could have a significant increase in the number of cyclists coming through the estate. There were very valid concerns raised in terms of not just cyclists, but e-scooters and scramblers which are causing havoc not just in Limerick but nationally.”
A Limerick City and County Council spokesperson confirmed a proposal relating to the two communities “was being prepared as part of ongoing Active Travel work to address gaps in the walking, wheeling and cycling network, and improve local connectivity.”
They confirmed that, following a request from councillors for a briefing on the plans, the Section 38 consultation has been paused.
The next step will be a briefing for elected members before the proposal returns for public consultation.