A DECISION to rename the Shannon Bridge has been postponed according to Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kathleen Leddin, a supporter of the motion passed recently, who acknowledged a degree of public disquiet over the proposal.
Following a meeting of party leaders earlier today, Mayor Leddin said a decision made by the Protocol Committee to re-name the Shannon Bridge after President John F Kennedy be referred to a proposed new Monuments Sub Committee for consideration. This group will look at the naming of future roads and bridges in Limerick.
“Notwithstanding the great admiration that I have for the late President John F Kennedy and of his family’s deep affection for Ireland, I feel that it is best to postpone the naming of the bridge at this stage,” said Mayor Leddin.
“I acknowledge that a number of people have been in contact with me and were unhappy with the proposal to change the bridge’s name. I feel that a time of reflection is now needed before a final decision is made.”
The proposal to rename the Shannon Bridge and separately, the area at Merchant’s Quay had been the subject of a Notice of Motion by City Councillor Pat Kennedy earlier this month. The motion stated it would be appropriate for Limerick City Council to ‘honour and commemorate appropriately JFK and Brian Ború for their extraordinary contributions to the advancement of Limerick, Irish and International affairs.
