Female passenger suffers 'serious injuries' in third bus collision on same road in Limerick

A FEMALE passenger suffered "serious injuries" in a collision between a bus carrying some 20 children and a car near Ballylanders on Saturday 

A major emergency response plan was put in place immediately following the incident on the R513 at Ballylanders shortly after 3pm. Two helicopters - Rescue 115 and HSE Air Ambulance, gardai, Limerick Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics from the National Ambulance Service all responded.

A garda spokesperson said one of the car's occupants, an adult female, was airlifted to Cork University Hospital with "serious injuries".

"All bus occupants were medically assessed at the scene and none require immediate hospital treatment. The road is currently closed to traffic and local diversions are in place," said a garda spokesperson.

Limerick City and County Council have advised motorists and road users that a section of the R513 near Carraghturk in Ballylanders will be closed until Monday. Detours are in place.

This is now the third serious traffic collision involving a bus on the R513 in recent years. The previous two incidents took place near Caherline.

As far back as 2020, Cllr Martin Ryan put down a motion at a municipal district meeting calling for the council and Department of Transport to review the heavy traffic loading on the R513; assess what improvements can be put in place and if it needs to be upgraded to national route status.

"Safety is a concern in parts. It is a very busy road. The safety of commuters and local people using the road is a priority. Improve it sooner, rather than later,” said Cllr Ryan.

READ MORE: Higher tolls on the way for transport companies using the Limerick Tunnel

Earlier this year, he reiterated calls for funding from the Department of Transport for the R513. 

“You have no room for manoeuvre on the R513," said Cllr Ryan, 

Brian Kennedy, director of services, transportation and mobility directorate, said they have previously requested additional funding from the department for improvements to the R513.

"I will keep the pressure on. They are aware of the issues,” said Mr Kennedy.