Clarification sought over business park proposal in County Limerick town

CONFUSION has emerged around the status of a plebiscite linked to the proposed taking in charge of an industrial park in Newcastle West.

The issue resurfaced after concerns were raised by councillors about the condition of roads in and around Desmond Business Park on the outskirts of the town.

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At the February meeting of Newcastle West MD, Cllr Francis Foley called on the council to “start the process” of taking in charge the business park.

Cllr Michael Collins, seconded the motion, pointing out he “put a lot of work into this in late 2023”.

He explained how he “wore down some shoe leather” getting proprietors in the business park to sign a plebiscite in support of the proposal.

Cllr Collins added that he “does not know who hasn't followed up, but the work with the proprietors is done.”

He added that one of the reasons behind the proposal is so that repairs can be carried out on the road. “You have potholes and you could take a bath in them, they are so deep,” he commented.

If Desmond Business Park is taken in charge, it would allow local authority roads crews to carry out repairs to the roads, where necessary.

In a written reply, Ben Noonan, senior engineer for the district, said. “The Newcastle West District Office is awaiting a plebiscite from the businesses of the Desmond Business Park in order to process this”.

The same reply was circulated in March 2024, when an identical motion was put forward by Councillor Jerome Scanlan.

The matter is to be revisited at the March meeting.