“UNEDIFYING,” was how Limerick businessman Tony Brazil, described goings-on at a meeting of the Transportation Committee at City Hall.
Referring to earlier contretemps between Cllr Ger Fahy and Kieran Lehane, director of services for housing, which saw the latter leave the chamber, after an acrimonious exchange with Cllr Fahy, Mr Brazil said:
“We, on this committee, are here to give advice, not to let people squabble. For me, as a business person, I am wasting my time listening to squabbling down here..
“I appeal to all political groups that the work of the committees should reflect a way to drive the city forward.
“Could it be possible to deal with the pothole problems and such like at the area meetings, which are private to the councillors,” asked Mr Brazil, who spent 14 years as director of Bord Failte, and was also chairman of Shannonside Tourism.
Cllr Fahy, who chaired the meeting, told Mr Brazil that his comments were noted.
With further pedestrianisation of a number of city centre streets on the way, a timely reminder was issued by Mr Brazil, owner of Limerick Travel, to City Hall, regarding the installation of water and electricity connections in the streets specified.
“We should learn from Bedford Row and please take note that the water and electricity connections are installed in the middle of the roads, to cater for the possibility of markets – seasonal or weekend markets starting up on some of those streets”.
Senior engineer, Vincent Murray, said there will be wide consultation with traders on the issue of the installation of water and electricity kiosks, to cater for street markets.
“It’s a very good idea to provide electricity and water kiosks for markets”.
Meanwhile, Cllr Joe Leddin said the orbital route was certain to play a significant part in linking up John’s Square, which will receive a complete refurbishment, into the city centre.
“When it is upgraded, the Square will have massive potential”.
An assurance was given to the meeting that the Water Fountain in John’s Square, which over the past two years has been damaged and interfered with mainly by people squatting on its steps, will be cleaned and repaired.
