LIMERICK people are being asked get their local representatives to spend almost €24million allocated to provide better alternatives to motor travel and safer access to schools.
Last year, Limerick City and County Council spent over €18 million, which was more than their budget allocation, on the construction of footpaths, safety measures, and schemes such as cycle and walking lanes, footpaths, and lighting.
This year, despite an increase in allocation to more than €24 million for such projects in the city and county, by last May, the Council had only drawn down €427,995, according to official figures released by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Green Party Councillor Saša Novak, who is chair of the Council’s Travel and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee, told the Limerick Post that there are “more than 50 projects in the pipeline around the city and county and they need to be progressed.”
She said that “Chinese whispers” and “fear mongering” being used to political ends is putting the brakes on many proposals which would bring improvements.
“I know there are at least 50 projects in the city and county in the early stages and we would ask people to urge their local representatives not to energise negativity about measures that can make it safer for people to cycle, safer for children to get to school, and for people to enjoy walking.”
The Green Party councillor is also anxious that the Council’s new Active Travel Office, which has created 25 new jobs, “should get out and knock on doors to talk to people”.
“A lot of the problem with progressing these projects is resistance to change and there are genuine concerns but people are much more likely to support initiatives if they are in possession of the facts and have their questions properly answered.
“I really want to see better communication,” she said.
While there is no threat that money not spent this year will go back to central government, Cllr Novak is concerned that a low take-up could jeopardise future allocations.
“Limerick has been good so far at spending the allocation, but other counties haven’t been as responsive. If it is seen that this money is being allocated but not spent, then it will be cut back in future budgets.
“I understand that the Active Travel Office is starting with basically a blank slate, but the long delays on some older projects and some straightforward projects are just unacceptable. We need to do better for our community.
“I’m asking the public to call on your local councillors, across every party, to demand safer paths and cycleways outside your homes, your schools, your places of work, to help create a safer and more liveable community. It’s time to put people first.”
The transport sector represents approximately 18 per cent of Ireland’s carbon emissions nationally, with road transport and private car usage carrying the most significant carbon footprint. Research indicates that an increase in walking and cycling could significantly reduce car use.
