URGENT action has been called from the Council to open the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) road under construction in Mungret to help with traffic congestion.
Raheen-based Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler told the Limerick Post that he has been contacted by residents in relation to traffic tailbacks around estates at peak times.
Cllr Butler believes the building of homes in the area, as well as the expansion of University Hospital Limerick (UHL), and an increase in employment locally is to blame.
“The schools are back and so too is the traffic. The early morning rush for school and work all crunched around the 9am hour means we are all in rush to get the kids to school and ourselves to work. In the Raheen, Dooradoyle, and Mungret area it is really being felt by locals struggling to get out of their estates and on their way,” Cllr Butler commented.
“I have been contacted again this year about the congestion issues around the area at peak morning hours. Traffic is almost at a standstill and it continues to worsen with more homes being built, the growth of UHL, and more jobs in Raheen Business Park, and of course the imminent arrival of Eli Lilly.”
Eli Lilly continues to be constructed at a rapid pace with projected jobs figures of around 1,500 being mentioned. The Homeland development in Mungret has received planning for over 100 units and has released to the market around 45 units for rent over the last couple of weeks.
Dwellings developers have also announced further expansion in Cois Teampall, while UHL is currently expanding its footprint with further growth projected.
“While all these developments are very welcome, the infrastructure is under huge pressure. Active travel projects are due to commence this month on the Fr Russell Road, which in the short term will worsen things and on the R510 in May of 2024. These will help but we will still face gridlock with the projected growth. Immediately we need to look to key junctions to support better movement of traffic.”
A member of the Council’s Travel and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee, Cllr Butler has called on Limerick Council to open the new road under construction in Mungret as soon as possible.
“Construction is due to be completed by the end of the year and I have requested it would open immediately in the new year,” Cllr Butler said.
Limerick City and Council told the Limerick Post that the projected timeline for substantial completion of the LIHAF Stage 2 is the end of November 2023.
“The contractor will have snags to complete after that, so the road could be opened in early 2024. Discussions with the Department of Transport will also be required before an opening date can be agreed.”
