A bridge too far for Limerick residents

SINN Fein councillor John Costello says he has been inundated with calls from concerned residents from both sides of the river regarding Limerick City and County Council’s proposal for a footbridge at Thomond Weir.

The local authority recently acquired Thomond Weir and the associated fish packing building from the ESB for an undisclosed sum and now plans to develop the site, 500 metres north of Thomond Bridge, as a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.

But, according to Cllr Costello, representations on the matter, from concerned residents, have increased after his recent motion calling for a public meeting between local residents and council officials was passed at a Metropolitan council meeting.

“People are genuinely puzzled as to how this came to be a priority project for the council given all of the pressing issues that urgently need to be addressed on both sides of the river. The fact that there has been no consultation to date with residents is very disheartening. People are concerned as to how this new bridge will be policed — we already know how stretched Garda resources are in the city,” Cllr Costello told the Limerick Post.

“The general feeling amongst residents that I have spoken to is that this bridge is not needed. The council’s priorities should be investment in housing, roads, footpaths, and social and recreational facilities – not a vanity project dreamed up by council officials. Where is the democratic mandate for this project?”

A Sinn Fein motion for a public meeting between council officials and residents was passed Cllr Costello is now calling on the council to arrange for this meeting to take place as a matter of urgency.

“I’m all for building bridges, but our council’s priorities should match the real needs of the communities in the area. It’s time the voices of ordinary residents from both sides of the Shannon were listened to!” he concluded.

by Alan Jacques

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