PUBLIC–private partnerships don’t work — if you want proof just look at the Limerick Tunnel.
That’s the view of Sinn Fein councillor Séighin Ó Ceallaigh who, at a meeting of Limerick City and County Council’s Travel and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee last week, described the toll tunnel a “disaster”.
Rather than pay between €4.80 and €6.10 on toll charges, truck drivers are going through the city and adding to traffic congestion, he said.
Cllr Ó Ceallaigh also told the council executive that any future road projects should not include tolls as motorists already pay enough through their car tax.
Former Metropolitan Mayor, Cllr Michael Sheahan, took umbrage with Cllr Ó Ceallaigh’s comments.
Public-private partnerships, he said, has served the community “incredibly well” and was the “lifeblood” of city, creating much-needed employment.
“Lets not be naive,” he advised.
Metropolitan District Physical Development Director Kieran Lehane said he was not going to get into an “ideological argument” on the subject but pointed out that public-private partnerships had benefited Limerick, providing infrastructure and creating jobs.
by Alan Jacques
