Call for pedestrian crossing to be relocated
UP to 60 jobs are expected to come on stream at the proposed new medical centre at the former Park Bar, Dublin Road, which had been closed for a number of years. The site in question was originally the reception area of the former Parkway Motel, and Limerick’s first nightclub, under the guidance of Michael Parkes, and with Michael McNamara as DJ, operated from overhead.
Later, a Dublin based property group took over the entire site, including the Parkway Motel, and transformed it into a shopping centre.
Limerick City Council has granted planning permission to the Dublin based developer, Lindat to replace the empty and demolished units with a private, three storey, day hospital that includes a diagnostic day surgery, treatment centre and medical treatment services.
The multi-million euro plan will also have administration offices, internal services and a reception with a café, as well as a new entrance on to the Childers Road.
However, given the current economic climate, sources say it could be some time before work get underway.
The Ballysimon Road Residents Association is particularly pleased that planning permission has been granted to the development.
Speaking on their behalf, community activist, Jim Hickey, said there are more than adequate retail outlets in the Parkway Shopping Centre on the Childers Road “in the present economic circumstances.
“The proposed medical facility is more beneficial in the area and we welcome it, but we need more of this type of good news in the current downturn.
‘High rates are a contributory factor to business closures and unfortunately, we are witnessing this all around Limerick.
“Owners of premises, when they are unoccupied, also have to pay 50% of the annual rates even though no income derives from them.
“It’s like paying income tax on no income. These laws need to be changed and looked at seriously by the city manager and city council,” said Mr Hickey, an unsuccessful Fianna Fail candidate in the last local government elections.
He issued an opportune reminder to the council to relocate the pedestrian crossing at the Dublin Road side of the Parkway Roundabout.
“A number of years ago a request was made by us to the council to relocate the crossing, which is dangerous, owing to its proximity to the roundabout.
“The residents were notified that it was to be relocated to a safer place but this was never done and we now hope that it will be included in the present development plans at the Parkway, as additional volume of traffic will be added to the present dangerous situation”.
Councillor for the area, Kieran O’Hanlon said he will be looking for a realignment of the roundabout.
“There is confirmation that there will be a widening of Childers Road to facilitate bus lanes – we have the money from the Department of Transport for this. This is a major area for congestion and a roundabout should be operated more efficiently for the safety of pedestrians.|
