LIMERICK Public Participation Network (PPN) welcomes the announcement by the Transport Minister that the Coonagh-Knockalisheen road will proceed without delay.
Limerick Public Participation Network, as part of its remit to support the input of community organisations into the making of local and national government policy, facilitated a number of meetings of its members regarding recent public debate on the Coonagh-Knockalisheen Road.
The Ballynanty District Electoral Division comprising Moyross, Ballynanty, Kileely and Thomondgate has some of the highest deprivation scores in the country. This road link is a key part of the Regeneration plan to improve social, physical and economic outcomes for this community. Moyross is also the largest cul de sac in the state with communities isolated from full access to education, health and job opportunities. While this road is not a solution to all inequalities the community faces, it will play a very important part in opening up the area and breaking down barriers for the community.
The Regeneration plan that included this road project was developed with the voice of the community at its core. It was passed by Limerick City and County Council. It was also approved within the current Programme for Government which was signed by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party. To see that both government policy and the voices of the community are now being heeded is a very welcome development.
While Limerick PPN shares a dedication to combating climate breakdown and the urgent need to reduce transport emissions, it recognises that this must not be at the expense of our most disadvantaged communities. Social justice and a just transition are at the core of any effective climate campaign or action. This demands that the burdens of fixing our environment are not piled on vulnerable or disadvantaged communities.
The community of Moyross are a wonderful, vibrant, and important part of Limerick. Their hopes, concerns and outcomes deserve respect and engagement from all government leaders. The membership of the Limerick PPN welcomes today’s announcement and acknowledges the role of the Transport Minister Eamon Ryan in this process.
