by Alan Jacques
alan@limerick
THE main street in Patrickswell has become a cause for concern and anger amongst locals, according to City West councillor Daniel Butler.
The Fine Gael politician described the current condition as an “absolute disgrace” and says the people of Patrickswell feel abandoned by Limerick City and County Council.
Recent works on the Main Street undertaken by contractors for Irish Water has made the situation worse.
“This is a village that has been completely bypassed by the council. The main street is in the condition of something you expect up a country lane,” Cllr Butler commented.
“We were allocated €90,000 but that now has been taken from us. The level of investment required now is much more and as we head into the winter.”
Patrickswell has been earmarked for inclusion in the Urban Renewal Scheme, which will see investment in the local infrastructure.
“I have been told that works on the main street will not now commence until the Urban Renewal Scheme begins. This could be over a year and what condition will the road be in at that stage?”, he asked.
“The council have called back in the contractors from Irish Water to redo the work on the main street which should improve things slightly,” he said.
In response, a spokesman for Limerick City and County Council said that the works ongoing in Patrickswell are unrelated to the proposed Patrickswell Village Renewal Scheme.
“Consultants have been appointed in recent days to prepare a design for the Patrickswell Village Renewal Scheme. It is anticipated that a Part 8 Planning Application will be submitted in early Spring.
“The project will only commence following public consultation and Council discussions and it is subject to funding being made available from Government,” the spokesman explained.
