Business park left out of Limerick transport strategy

OWNERS of outlets at Annacotty Business Park have met with government TDs after the area was left out of Limerick’s BusConnects plan.

Unveiled last year, BusConnects is designed to streamline and simplify public transport services across Limerick.

However, there is disappointment from some that the plans do not touch Annacotty Business Park, which like areas of Raheen and Plassey, are hotspots for employment.

As a result of this, business owners from Annacotty have joined Limerick Chamber officials in lobbying government for this to be changed.

Minister of State Kieran O’Donnell, Brian Leddin and Senator Maria Byrne heard directly of the impact a lack of transport connectivity is having on their company's operations.

In particular, they said, on the recruitment and retention of younger staff.

Serosep chief executive Dermot Scanlon said: “As there is no bus connectivity to speak of to the business park, we have to ask candidates early in interviews if they have their own car. E-bikes and cycling is also out for most people because there are no cycle lanes on the Cappamore road and it is extremely busy. Currently everyone who works with us has no choice but to drive to work.”

Chamber chief executive Dee Ryan pointed out that around 3,000 people commute to the Annacotty Business Park each day.

“It does not make sense to us to design a bus network that goes as far as Annacotty village but does not come to the business park despite thousands of workers coming in and out of here every day,” said Ms Ryan.

The government TDs who met with the Chamber delegation have vowed to have a second look at the BusConnects plan for Limerick in the wake of the meeting.