CONCERNS have been raised within Limerick City and County Council over claims of ‘illegal’ works being carried out by Irish Rail on Childers Road between Rathbane and Ballinacurra Weston.
Speaking at Monday’s Metropolitan area meeting, Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely told Council management that works to put in a new automation system are continuing despite Irish Rail not getting approval from the local authority.
“I and other councillors raised issues with Irish Rail and the disposal did not go through, yet Irish Rail have continued to do work on Childers Road without that taking place.
“I’ve raised it with the Active Travel, I’ve raised it with Irish Rail themselves, and I’ve raised it with a director. I haven’t got a satisfactory reply, and at this stage, despite all these concerns that I’ve raised, not only is there a question of insurance, but also liability needs to be considered if there is a problem or accident in the area,” Cllr Kiely told the meeting.
The City East representative also took the view that councillors, who raised concerns and stopped the disposal are now being ignored.
“This is a reserve function of councillors, and we’re being ignored, yet work continued. This shouldn’t be allowed. So, the message is clear here, that we’re ignoring councillors and their reserve function,” she added.
In response, Tina Knox, of the Council’s Property Management Services, said that she was aware of the issue and had brought it to the attention of the Active Travel department.
“It’s something, Cllr Kiely, that we’re absolutely not happy with in property services, because we did bring it before the members. It wasn’t approved. We’ve advised Irish Rail of that, but I am aware of what’s going on now. As I said, we have brought it to Active Travel’s attention, but it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed,” Ms Knox commented.
Cllr Kiely told Council management that this was now a legal matter as Irish Rail were allegedly carrying out works illegally with no insurance.
“If something happens, who’s liable? Plus the side stepping of elected members,” she said.
Senior engineer with the Council’s Active Travel team, Sean McGlynn, confirmed that the works were taking place at present without Council approval.
Speaking to the Limerick Post after the meeting, Cllr Kiely reiterated the Council’s confirmation that they “did not and cannot give permission to Irish Rail to conduct works without a disposal taking place”.
“The fact Irish Rail are doing works begs the question, should an accident occur, who is responsible? Will any insurer provide cover?
“In any case, the fact remains that Irish Rail, who have a reputation for being incredibly difficult to deal with ordinarily, are now doing whatever they like and have given two fingers to democracy and the law of the land,” she concluded.
There was no response from Irish Rail at the time of going to print.