Residents want compromise on new Active Travel plans for Limerick

CITY centre residents have stepped up their campaign against new proposals which would see the elimination of dozens of car parking spots.

As part of Active Travel measures, council is planning to install infrastructure including bike lanes along South Circular Road, with a detailed design nearing completion.

Now, locals on the section of the street from its junction with Quin Street to where it meets St Alphonsus Street, have said they feel short-changed.

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Joseph Purcell, the acting chairman of the local residents association, says almost 40 car parking spaces will be lost if the measures come in. And the alternative offered by Active Travel - fewer car spots in further away locations from their houses - will not help an elderly population.

They are set to hold meetings with Mayor John Moran, in the hope that he can intervene.

Mr Purcell thinks residents in his part of the South Circular Road should enjoy a compromise which is being enjoyed by locals elsewhere in the street. Here, a controlled parking area is in operation, and cars with local permits will be allowed share the surface with bicycles.

This is not happening in the lower part of the South Circular Road.

Mr Purcell pointed out that one of his neighbours needs to have oil supplied into his house from a truck to provide heating during the winter months.

“The oil truck won’t be able to park there any more. It feels like we will be forced to commit road traffic offences in order to stay safe in our community,” he added.

Council has described the new infrastructure as “critical”.

They added Active Travel is working to minimise disruption.