Cycle lane bollards in Limerick removed over health and safety fears

METAL bollards which separate cycle lanes from part of Limerick's main thoroughfare have been removed amid health and safety concerns.

As part of the €9.5m O'Connell Street revitalisation programme, the cylinder-shaped objects were installed on each side of the road.

They are used to prevent bikes and motorised vehicles using the same part of the carriageway.

However, it's since emerged that staff of the contractor appointed by the council to work on the redevelopment have removed a section of these safety measures after they suffered "significant damage".

At this month's metropolitan meeting, Social Democrats councillor Elisa O'Donovan asked why the bollards had been removed from O'Connell Street between its junction with Roches Street and Cecil Street.

She also asked if, and when they will be reinstated.

The council's planning director Vincent Murray stated, in a written answer: "These bollards and their associated sockets suffered significant damage from a third-party vehicle and were subsequently removed due the potential risk they posed to health and safety."

He added that replacing these bollards has been identified on a list of snags to be addressed by the contractor, Shareridge.