HYDE Road will be transformed into a “different place” in the coming months as many of the ongoing issues in the area are about to be tackled by Limerick City and County Council.
Speaking to the Limerick Post this week, Fine Gael councillor for City East, Sarah Kiely, welcomed the addition of a cycle lane, tabletop ramps and the narrowing of side road exits to discourage speed. The general public, she explained, will have an opportunity to give their feedback on mypoint.limerick.ie once the NTA approves the plans.
“It is so sad that so many people have lost their lives here and it has taken too long to address this. Members of my immediate family have been first responders on many occasions on this stretch of road. The loss of life here is preventable and with the plans on the horizon for Hyde Road I am truly hopeful further loss of life will be prevented,” Cllr Kiely said.
She also welcomed news that all derelict properties on Hyde Road have been categorised, dumping is being tackled and that safety measures are now with the National Safety Authority (NTA).
“I am confident the NTA will approve and fund the much-needed measures which I’ve advocated for many years.
“By the end of this year many of the properties will be back in use, others will be progressing, and I know this will have a very positive impact on the current residents. It will provide much-needed homes for families who want to move back to the area or who have connections to the area.”
According to Cllr Kiely, many of these families are in private rentals and have been on the housing list for many years.
“If Hyde Road was in Dublin, it would be very sought after because of its tree-lined streets and proximity to the city, as well as the public transport. It is a main thoroughfare and should be presented as such. It has been neglected for far too long. This is one of the areas I gave a commitment to after I was elected. I will continue to work with the people here and make sure we see change.
Cllr Kiely also confirmed that the trees on Hyde Road will not be removed.
“I’ve had a few people concerned about this too, so I’m glad to confirm that also,” she concluded.
