Limerick Chamber warns funding deficit is causing "serious concerns" for major roundabout upgrade

LIMERICK Chamber are calling on the Government to release €2.2million in funding to upgrade a roundabout, which they say serves thousands of commuters on a daily basis.

The chamber wrote to Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, calling for funding to upgrade and improve the Mackey Roundabout, as a way of addressing “urgent safety and economic development risks due to persistent traffic congestion.”

The Mackey Roundabout, located at the eastern gateway to Limerick city, serves as a major interchange connecting the M7, R445, R503 and Dublin Road. It is also a primary access point for the National Technology Park and the University of Limerick.

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Limerick Chamber argue that “persistent congestion and safety issues have long been a concern.”

The Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Transport Strategy (LSMATS) 2022 identified the roundabout as one of four major congestion pinch points in the region. While initial work has been completed, the project requires further investment to proceed.

“This €2.2 million investment is essential to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to supporting safe, efficient, and sustainable transport infrastructure for Limerick’s growing population and business community,” said CEO of Limerick Chamber, Michelle Gallagher.

She added: “Businesses are frustrated by transport delays that impact staff, customers, and logistics. Progressing the Mackey Roundabout improvements now would send a clear message that Limerick remains a priority for national transport investment.”

The site is also earmarked for a future Park and Ride facility, which is a major part of the region’s long-term transport plans.

Ms Gallagher noted that the “failure to resource the Mackey Roundabout works, as well as the delay to BusConnects by two years is not good enough and is causing serious concerns for the business community regarding transport provision in Limerick.”