Limerick residents and Iarnrod Eireann collide over development of rail line

THE CHOPPING of trees and hedges by Irish Rail contractors outside people’s homes has led to a spike in vandalism in the area, a residents association has said.

In readiness for the return of freight traffic to the Limerick to Foynes rail line, vegetation has been removed from along its boundary.

Part of that runs behind the Roundwood Estate at Ballinacurra in the city, and the local combined residents association has said that this has gone hand-in-hand with a rise in anti-social behaviour.

In a strongly worded statement, its chairperson Niall McMahon wrote: “To date, there have been numerous windows broken, patio doors damaged and assaults with stones as a direct result of the removal of foliage from the line, combined with inadequate fencing and security.”

A public meeting was held at Young Munsters Rugby Club where residents expressed their anger over what they feel has been a lack of engagement with the semi-state rail firm.

They have called for the erection of fencing around the perimeter of Roundwood to allow them increased security.

“We also asked for the trees and foliage to be replaced as a matter of urgency,” Mr McMahon said, adding they want the fencing to rise up five metres.

There was severe criticism of Irish Rail in the statement, with the association saying the company had shown “an unacceptable, inexcusable lack of respect” when it came to resolving this issue.

“We as a residents association have found the response from Iarnrod Eireann lacking to the point of rude ,” they said.

But Irish Rail has hit back, saying its representatives have been communicating with local representatives and residents regarding the work since March last year.

“It is disappointing this extensive engagement since the outset of the project is not acknowledged in the press release,” a spokesperson for the firm said.

Irish Rail said while it will erect a fence, it will not be acceding to the request of the residents group to have them rise up five metres.

“The project considers the 3.6m fence with accompanying screening to be an appropriate solution at this location, both in terms of security and in terms of the visual appeal,” they added.

“Irish Rail plans to install this enhanced boundary treatment at the earliest opportunity to mitigate anti-social behaviour issues.

READ MORE: Two Limerick villages to benefit from new flood relief funding

Our project security will continue to closely monitor the Roundwood area both during the current construction phase and the future operational phase, and our project team and crime prevention officer will continue their ongoing liaison with An Garda Siochana,” the company added in a statement.

The residents association say that trees on some people’s property had been damaged or removed without consultation.

It’s something that Irish Rail in turn rejected.

“There are approximately 15 houses in the Roundwood estate that share a boundary with the railway line. Since the onset of this project, Iarnrod Eireann has not received any contact from the residents of those houses claiming this, nor is it in receipt of any evidence to support this allegation. Our contractor’s remit is to remove vegetation either on, or overhanging our property only.”