FUNDING of €1.8million has been spent to date on the Abbeyfeale Public Realm Scheme and a shortfall of €10m still needs to be secured to complete overall works.
The project, which has a total projected value of €25m, will include the reconstruction of 450 metres of modified traffic lane widths on the N21 Killarney Road with new footpaths and build outs, along with the construction of a new 100-metre road between Main Street and Grove Crescent car park and an extension to the car park.
Associated works, to be carried out in phases, include under-grounding of overhead ESB wires, diversion of live services including foul sewers and watermains, and the installation of public lighting, pedestrian crossing facilities, ducting, and services.
At this month’s Newcastle West area meeting, Fine Gael councillor Liam Galvin asked for a financial report on the scheme, demanding details on funding spent to date, funding available, shortfall of funding, and where said shortfall comes from.
He was informed by the Council’s Director of Services for Planning, Environment and Place-Making, Nuala O’Connell, that Transport Infrastructure Ireland is providing funding of €8m — €5m from Road Safety and €3m from Pavements. National Transport, she revealed, is providing €3m and Limerick City and County Council is providing €3m from development fund.
“There is sufficient funding to proceed with Phase 1 of the project; N21 Killarney Road and Grove Crescent car park upgrade. This is subject to Transport Infrastructure Ireland approval to go to tender,” Ms O’Connell explained.
Cllr Galvin was told that the shortfall in funding to complete the overall scheme, which is in the sum of €10m to undertake Phase 2 involving Main Street, The Square, and Colbert Terrace, has yet to be secured.
“The design and preparation of tender documents for Phase 2 will follow when Phase 1 has been advertised for tender. The Council is currently in discussion with Uisce Éireann over funding and exploring all other resources of funding.”
