Calls for ‘Dutch’ roundabout in Limerick as Active Travel scheme moves on

SOME residents in Dooradoyle have called for a Dutch style roundabout to be included in a new Active Travel scheme for the Limerick city suburb.

A Dutch style roundabout has parallel crossings, both cycle and pedestrian zebra crossings on each arm which enables pedestrians and cyclists to have priority over motorists.

This follows feedback from a public consultation on the proposed scheme which was held and where six submissions were received.

The new project, proposed by Limerick City and County Council, will be known as St Pauls to Ballykeefe Active Travel Scheme.

It will be funded entirely by the National Transport Authority and the objective is to connect St Paul’s Roundabout to Ballykeefe Roundabout with a new pedestrian and cycle facility.

It is intended to form an important part of Limerick’s Active Travel Network, connecting Fr Russell Road and Mungret to St Nessans Road and Dooradoyle.

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Potential design options are currently being considered for pedestrian and cycle infrastructure on each of the three elements of the scheme.

One of these includes linking both roundabouts with one-way cycle tracks.

Commenting on the submissions, Limerick Green Party TD Brian Leddin noted: “Three were in favour of the scheme and two have raised concerns as they are property owners that would be affected and then the sixth submission made would be a technical one as some suggestions were made.”

Deputy Leddin added: “With any scheme there are going to be challenges especially in situations where there is limited street space. It looks like there are constraints at St Paul's Roundabout and I hope and expect that the Active Travel team will work with those who will be impacted and understand their concerns and try to address them.”

Based on the submissions, other key issues raised were cyclist priority, bus priority, if it would be a safe environment for children and adults to walk and cycle in the area and if traffic would be impacted if the roundabout is signalised.

The council says it has noted the current information and feedback and that a preferred option will be selected and presented for further non-statutory public consultation.

More information on the proposed scheme, submissions made and design options can be found through Limerick City and County Council’s website.