Limerick City has made its stance clear on public transport priorities, with residents and local officials voting against a proposal to reduce bus lane operating hours. The decision came after weeks of public consultations, debates, and a heated city council meeting that highlighted the community’s divided opinions.
The proposal, which sought to limit bus lane enforcement during off-peak hours, aimed to ease congestion for car commuters while preserving bus priority during rush hours. However, concerns over increased traffic, public transport reliability, and environmental impacts led to a strong pushback from advocacy groups and public transport users.
At the city council meeting, over 70% of participants voted to retain the current schedule, which enforces bus lane rules throughout the day. “This is a win for public transport users and sustainability,” said Councillor Maria O’Donnell, a vocal opponent of the changes. ‘ ‘We could also cut down on hours and that would mean undermining our efforts and pushing for better, greener, and efficient urban mobility.’
Opponents of the decision argued that the current system causes unnecessary delays for drivers during non-peak hours and fails to balance the needs of all road users. Local business owner Derek Walsh expressed frustration, saying, “Our city needs flexibility. This decision overlooks the challenges faced by small businesses and car commuters.”
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Transport for Ireland (TFI), the body overseeing public transport in the country, supported maintaining the status quo. A TFI spokesperson stated, “Consistency in bus lane hours ensures punctuality and reliability, critical for encouraging more people to use public transport.”
This decision aligns with Limerick’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban planning. The city continues to invest in expanding its public transport network, with new bus routes and cycling infrastructure in development.
While the debate may not be over, the vote represents a clear mandate from Limerick residents to prioritize public transport and environmental goals over car-centric policies.
