Councillors' opinions divided over current condition of Limerick city centre

THE current state of the city centre has divided opinion of local councillors with one even going as far as to say it has “no pulse”.

At a recent meeting of the Economic Development, Enterprise and Planning Strategic Policy Committee, councillors were given a presentation on the Arthur’s Quay Area Framework.

During the discussion, Councillor Stephen Keary said there was “no heartbeat in the city, no pulse, no town centre”.

Mr Keary claimed the opinion was “held by many”.

He continued: “Any other city in the world has a central square where people congregate so I hope this idea will deliver that”.

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Councillor Bridie Collins, Chairperson of the Economic Development, Enterprise and Planning Strategic Policy Committee said she wanted to be disassociated from the remarks made by Mr Keary and said the city is “vibrant”.

Councillor Olivia O'Sullivan, who is also the Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District of Limerick, said she was “really disappointed” in the comments made my Mr Keary.

“It is very hard to sit here and listen to one of my colleagues tell me that there is no heartbeat in the city, I completely disagree.

“It is a very irresponsible comment to make in a public meeting and undermines some of the great work that is going on.

“There is so much going on in the city. I don't know when the last time you were in the city was but I will meet you in the city any Saturday for a look around.

“If you are going to express an opinion like that I would like it to be an informed opinion”.

Councillor Martin Ryan added that a “different life” has come to the city since roadworks on O'Connell Street were paused for the Christmas season and “hopefully when they are done we will see more of that”.