Residents who are set to see their lives disrupted by the Limerick North Distribution Road claim the project will damage the “already struggling” city centre.
It’s after the local authority there voted to vary the route of the road, which will also run through much of South-East Clare and has divided opinion on both sides of the Shannon.
The 150 million euro road was overwhelmingly accepted by Councillors in Limerick last night, over a year after it had been given the backing by local representatives here.
The authority in Limerick initially rejected it, and last night’s vote was their second on the issue.
A number of commitments were given during a lengthy debate on the matter, including the establishment of a sub-committee that will involve some affected landowners.
However, Meelick Fianna Fáil councillor Cathal Crowe is not impressed.
Supporters of the road say it will open up a new corridor that could transform the region, and act as a magnet for investment.
Limerick Chamber have welcomed the result of the vote, while the route has also received backing from the likes of Shannon Airport, LIT and UL.
However, in South-East Clare, the current route will dissect Parteen village, and there are also flooding concerns.
Ed English, one of the residents who will be affected, also believes it will be bad for Limerick itself.
