NORTH Circular Road residents no longer feel safe walking through Westfields Wetlands.
That’s according to Fine Gael local election candidate for City North, Richard Delaney, who says concerns have been repeatedly raised with him on doorsteps while out canvassing.
“Westfields Wetlands is a much loved and well used local amenity. It is host to a variety of wildlife, including migrating wildfowl. The area features regularly in the annual Tidy Towns Awards under the wildlife and natural amenities category and it is an invaluable resource for city residents and a wonderful refuge for wildlife,” Mr Delaney told the Limerick Post.
The election hopeful explained that residents on the North Circular Road brought issues at Westfields Wetlands to his attention on the campaign trail and he was advised to visit the city beauty spot for himself.
“I was shocked at how neglected the area is. There are signs of anti-social behaviour and evidence of rough sleeping. The signage, decking viewing point area, and seating could do with a major revamp,” he insisted.
However, what Mr Delaney deemed even more concerning, is the wetlands itself.
“It is being strangled by overgrown weeds and rushes and this has to be affecting its biodiversity and the wildlife inhabitants,” he claimed.
In recent years, a request for tender for the development of a Management Plan for the Westfields Wetlands has been made as well as reports such as a Screening and Natural Impact Assessment – Westfields Management Plan.
“These reports were commissioned and have produced excellent and detailed findings and recommendations. However, nothing has been done. So, I am calling on Limerick City and County Council and all the stakeholders involved to act now. As I believe that the time for talking is over and that now is a time for action, before it is too late,” he insisted.
“Having talked to other residents since, who regularly visit the area, they have said that they no longer feel safe walking through it and this is a very worrying trend.”
