AN overspend of more than €5.828million has been incurred on three active travel projects in Limerick, according to information provided to Fine Gael Councillor Dan McSweeney at January’s Metropolitan District meeting.
The figures emerged after Cllr Dan McSweeney requested a full breakdown of the total additional expenditure on the three schemes.
In a written reply, Limerick Council confirmed significant additional expenditure across all three projects ranging from a 37 per cent overspend on the Fr Russell Road Scheme to a 66 per cent overspend on the Mill Road Corbally Project.
The breakdown of the overspend involved €1.156m for the Fr Russell Road Active Travel Scheme increasing to €1.31m million including, €1.802m on the R510 Quinn’s Cross to Raheen Roundabout Scheme increasing to €2.045m, and €2.176m on the Mill Road Corbally Project increasing to €2.470m (all including VAT).
Taken together, the total overspend amounts to €5.134m excluding VAT or €5.828m when VAT is included.
Cllr Dan McSweeney said the figures “are alarming and raise serious questions for both the Council and the National Transport Authority in relation to cost control on such projects”.
“It is now time for the National Transport Authority to seriously examine the true value for money in delivering these schemes, not just in Limerick but across the country.
“I firmly believe that the delivery of some of these Active Travel Schemes represents a complete waste of taxpayers’ money and must be reviewed as a matter of urgency.”
In response to Cllr McSweeney, Director of the Council’s Transport, Mobility, and Public Realm Directorate, Patricia Liddy said that it is important to note unique challenges influenced by factors such as location, varying ground conditions, and the involvement of multiple stakeholders.
When contacted for comment, the Council said the active travel programme is a cornerstone of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which provides the framework for a 20-year transformation of transport infrastructure.
A spokesperson told the Limerick Post that the multi-million euro investment is directly supported by the National Development Plan and central government policy to invest €360m annually into active travel and greenways infrastructure nationally.
Among projects delivered through the active travel programme are new cycle lanes, specialised school zones, bus shelters and benches, and new footpaths in rural towns and villages.
“The complexities inherent in these projects can lead to unforeseen costs and contractual claims, which are part of standard project management practices,” the Council explained.
The Fr Russell Road Scheme project, according to the local authority, experienced unforeseen costs due to complex urban conditions and changes requested by stakeholders regarding traffic management, which contributed to necessary adjustments and additional works.
The Council also pointed out that the R510 Quinn’s Cross to Raheen Roundabout Scheme faced challenges associated with unchartered services and traffic management, leading to a higher number of contractual claims.
Meanwhile, the Mill Road Project involved extensive contractual claims due to ground condition issues, access challenges, levies, and necessary design changes.
The Council said that it works closely with stakeholders, including the National Transport Authority, to ensure that all projects meet the required standards.