Ambulance boss reacts to the part-closure of Limerick's main thoroughfare

A NATIONAL Ambulance Service executive urged council to introduce special measures during the closure of the Crescent area of the city centre before Christmas.

Niall Murray, a general manager of area operations in the ambulance service, wrote to council asking for the points around the O’Connell Monument to be fully staffed if they were blocked off to regular traffic.

Initially, it was envisioned that the area around the fountain would be car-free on three Sundays before December 25.

But this was later reduced to just one, the final Sunday before the big day, where a “festive neighbourhood gathering” was held.

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Limerick City and County Council had invited feedback from people to its initial proposal for three Sunday closures.

Among the 22 groups and individuals who wrote to council off the back of this was Mr Murray.

He formally requested the deployment of staff at the road closure points.

This, he wrote, would be to “facilitate the access and movement of emergency vehicles in the event of significant traffic congestion”.

In his letter to council, Mr Murray also pointed out the area is heavily used by emergency vehicles.

There is no suggestion council did not provide staff to man the road closure points.

And, in any event, emergency vehicles were allowed access to the area if needed, regardless of the closure.

Of the other 21 submissions council received on the pre-Christmas closure, just one was supportive of the idea.

A resident of over 25 years based in Catherine Street wrote: “It’s a good idea, firmly encourages people to come into the city centre as well as adding something nice for people who live and work there.”

City traders were less impressed, according to documents released to Limerick Live under Freedom of Information legislation.

Caroline Long, the chairperson of the City Centre Traders Association said retailers “have told us that it is the last thing they want”.

Another store manager added: “It has been the worst trading year in about 20 years."

“I struggle to see how a road closure would support our local economy. It may lead to reduced foot traffic and drive shoppers away from the city which would be detrimental to many establishments,” one added.

It was suggested that existing out-of-use buildings, and parks closer to the city centre’s trading area could host special events in the same way the Crescent did.

The Crescent was originally closed in August 2024 as part of an initiative led by Mayor John Moran.