LABOUR Party councillor Pádraigh Reale called on Limerick Council to carry out an immediate safety review of the pedestrian crossing at Athlunkard Bridge.
Speaking at December’s Metropolitan District meeting, Cllr Reale urged the local authority to install interim safety measures to ensure the safety of all users while engaging with the National Transport Authority (NTA) for a long-term safety scheme.
“That’s one of the most heavily congested roads in Limerick. It’s a main thoroughfare between Limerick and Clare and I sympathise with all users of that road – pedestrians, cyclists, runners, and also car users, because there is some serious issues here,” Cllr Reale said, noting a serious incident in the area before Christmas.
The City North representative took the view that the opening to the pedestrian crossing is quite close to the road and “obscure” with it, and in need of safety measures to warn motorists of its existence.
“What I’m asking is that the this Council looks at some interim safety measures, whether it’s some advanced signage onto the approach, or maybe some change to the road surface there. We need to support motorists so that they are a little bit more aware that there is a pedestrian crossing ahead, and that all road users and all pedestrians are safe in this area, particular school going kids,” Cllr Reale commented.
Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara seconded the motion, saying: “I think that pedestrian crossing is one of those ‘fingers crossed and hope for the best’ pedestrian crossings. That entire road is just not safe for cyclists. It’s too narrow. There’s been too many close calls there.”
Aontú councillor Sarah Beasley deemed the entire area a “death trap”.
“The congestion going into Corbally and into Westbury is unbelievable. It starts about four o’clock and it doesn’t really stop until about seven in the evening. So definitely, this needs to be looked at,” Cllr Beasley said.
In response, Limerick City and County Council said that its Road Operations/Parks team removed tree limbs and vegetation at the Athlunkard Bridge pedestrian crossing to improve its visibility. The crossing was programmed to be relined before Christmas.