Locals 'frustrated' over lack of progress with traffic management plan in Limerick town

FRUSTRATION is growing in a Limerick town over the delay in the implementation of a multi-million euro traffic management plan. 

Plans to improve traffic management in Abbeyfeale were first announced in 2018 when local councillors were told that Transport Infrastructure Ireland would be funding the project. 

However over two years after the plans were agreed and signed off on, ground has yet to be broken on the €4.8m plan.

One of the conditions of the deal was that Limerick City and County Council would purchase and demolish Riordan’s pub on the Main Street to make way for 24 off street parking spaces. 

While the council have purchased the derelict building, it still stands and now councillors are asking why has the plan been delayed for so long. 

The matter was raised at the monthly meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District and Cllr Liam Galvin says he is bitterly disappointed that no further work has been done since the plan was agreed. 

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He said: "We were led to believe that funding was not a problem for the plan, so when is it going to be done? 

"We have kept our side of the bargain, we were told Riordan's would have to be bought and demolished before it went forward. But nothing has happened, it is an eyesore in the centre of the town and I find it hard to stand over. We as the local authority have the biggest derelict property in the town," he said.

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"The TII have asked for clarity on a number of issues and I want to know has the council responded to them. I have called for a meeting with the TII to see if the plans can be moved forward," added Cllr Galvin.

The plans originally caused some consternation and dismay with locals and businesses however Cllr Galvin said the majority now support the plan. 

He asked that the plan is treated as a priority by the council as frustration grows in the town over the lack of progress.

Cllr Galvin also asked for clarity on if there are any other works that need to be taken out in the area before the plan progresses.