‘Be careful what you wish for’ warning over traffic review calls in Limerick housing estate

A SENIOR council official has warned councillors and constituents “to be careful what they wish for” during a discussion on calls for a review of traffic flow and parking along a busy road in Limerick.

Independent councillor Jerome Scanlan tabled a motion at the April meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District (MD) calling on the council to carry out “an urgent review of traffic flow and parking along Boherbee, to include Meadow Court Residential Estate.”

Cllr Scanlan raised concerns about access to the estate and parking issues, particularly at school times due to its proximity to a school, saying it poses a “health and safety risk” to residents.

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He said the estate is designated “resident parking only”, but this is not adhered to during school drop-off and collection times.

Cathaoirleach of the district, Michael Collins, supported the motion, describing the situation as a “big, big challenge”. He said he and Cllr Scanlan have previously met with the school principal and are in the process of arranging a meeting with residents.

Cllr Collins noted that despite efforts to address the issue, he “doesn’t know the solution”. Cllr Scanlan added that the problem has been “going on for years” and, despite some improvement, has “slipped back”.

Fine Gael councillor John Sheahan also supported the motion, saying parking is an issue “around every housing estate” and that there are “not enough spaces” for residents across the county.

He asked whether the MD could consider additional signage or double yellow lines to prevent illegal parking, adding motorists "only take notice to gardai" and not Limerick City and County Council." In response, Senior Executive Engineer Ben Noonan said new bye-laws would be required to facilitate this.

In a written reply, Mr Noonan confirmed that Limerick City and County Council roads personnel “will meet with relevant stakeholders to discuss this matter.”

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Noonan said his team plans to meet with “two different stakeholders” regarding the issue.

He warned that councillors need to “be careful what they wish for” when introducing new bye-laws, as they could negatively impact residents.

Mr Noonan gave the example of shared housing, where a property may have a one-car driveway. If four residents each own a car, three vehicles would need to be parked on the public road, meaning restrictions such as double yellow lines could create further issues.