Residents of Limerick suburb demand action on ‘rat run’

CONCERNS have been raised about increasing traffic volumes and safety issues in the Lower Park area in Corbally, which local residents say is being used as a “rat run” by motorists travelling between Park Road and Grove Island.

Cllr Pádraigh Reale said: “The community of Lower Park is being used as a rat run for traffic coming and going from Park Road and Grove Island, there is a need here for a comprehensive traffic management plan.”

Residents in Lower Park have repeatedly raised concerns about traffic and road safety in the area, particularly during the Section 38 consultation process for the now-abandoned proposal to alter the Old Park Road. However, locals say that no action has been taken since.

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Following engagement with residents, the area was visited by Limerick TD Conor Sheehan to assess the road conditions and traffic issues first-hand. During the visit, a number of concerns were highlighted, including the effectiveness of the existing traffic calming infrastructure.

The speed ramps currently in place are over 20 years old, and residents report persistent speeding along the road, particularly near the rail crossing, which is described as a particularly hazardous stretch even under normal conditions.

Further confusion exists around the speed limit in the area, with it unclear whether the limit is 30 km/h or 50 km/h. The council have committed to meeting Cllr Reale on site to look at the concerns raised.