Mixed updates on plans for new bus stops serving Limerick communities
The new bus stops are planned for Pallaskenry and Reens Pike
PLANS for a new bus stop in Pallaskenry are being progressed, while similar plans for Reens Pike face obstacles, councillors have been told.
Correspondence from John O’Callaghan, A/Senior Executive Engineer with the Active Travel Team, was presented at the June meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District.
He said a regional double-decker bus can successfully complete a turning manoeuvre at the location, although an overhanging tree branch is currently hindering access. The Active Travel Team is to make contact the landowner to seek permission to remove the branch.
An ecologist will also inspect the site for nesting birds, with works expected to proceed in the near future if no nests are found.
Once completed, Mr O’Callaghan said, it will take approximately four weeks for the new bus stop and a revised route to be added to the official timetables.
Fine Gael councillor Stephan Keary said he had been involved in the original planning of the Pallaskenry facility and he recalled there were concerns at the time regarding an overhanging tree branch that could interfere with bus movements.
Fianna Fáil councillor Bridie Collins said the main issue at Pallaskenry was not physical obstruction but service uptake. She said some bus operators have indicated their reluctance to use the proposed new route as around four minutes will be added to the journey time.
At Reens Pike on the N21, Mr O’Callaghan said proposals to install a pair of bus shelters and hardstanding areas have received the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). He said TII has cited concerns over the existing 100km/h speed limit, along with a lack of pedestrian crossings and traffic calming measures, as key safety concerns.
TII has held preliminary discussions with Bus Éireann on the possibility of rerouting the service along the R523, which could allow stops to be relocated between Reens Pike and Rathkeale.
The Active Travel Team has indicated it remains willing to meet elected members and local residents on site at Reens Pike to discuss potential solutions.