Business owners oppose one-way plan for Limerick street

A COUPLE who own a business just off Henry Street in the city centre have come out against a proposal to make it entirely one way.

Michael and Anne Leech who run Speediwash laundrette in St Gerard Street have urged councillors to preserve the “status quo”.

With a crunch vote on plans to introduce a segregated cycle lane down South Circular Road and into the city now just a week away, talks are still ongoing behind the scenes to try and find a compromise.

It follows a groundswell of opposition from local residents – many of whom are elderly – concerned at losing their parking spots plus business people in Henry Street fearful of missing out on passing trade.

A behind-closed-doors workshop took place earlier this week in a bid to hammer out a compromise before next week's statutory meeting of the Metropolitan District.

One of these involves making the upper part of Henry Street one way, in a move which will mean the whole thoroughfare will be closed off to two-way traffic.

Labour councillor Joe Leddin has previously stated Henry Street businesses are in support of this idea, but two traders who are based in St Gerard Street said they would not back it.

“We prefer the status quo to remain with regard to traffic flow and parking. We are against the altering of the two-way system in Henry Street in particular from Alphonsus Street to Clontarf place as this restriction in movement will imprison people living in the area and reduce trade,” Mr and Mrs Leech wrote in a letter to the Leader.

The couple feel there would be no need for a bike lane through South Circular Road if the present traffic regulations were adhered to.

“It is unfortunate that people feel they need to reinvent the wheel to solve simple problems at a major cost to the most vulnerable,” they added.

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In response, Cllr Leddin said: “Business customers are loyal and any short diversion should not result in loss of business as people are resilient and can adapt to changes.

“We cannot improve the safety of all road users especially young children if we do not make improvements based on higher traffic volumes,” added Cllr Leddin in response.