Limerick City Council Announces Plans to Pedestrianise Two Laneways Using Bollards

Limerick City and County Council has unveiled proposals to pedestrianise two laneways in the city centre through the installation of permanent bollards, aiming to enhance public spaces and facilitate occasional animation events.

Details of the Proposed Pedestrianisation Scheme

The council’s plans involve installing bollards on specific laneways to restrict vehicular access while maintaining emergency and service vehicle access where necessary. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve the urban environment and create more pedestrian-friendly areas in Limerick’s core.

Public Consultation Process

Members of the public are invited to review the proposals and submit feedback during the designated consultation period. According to official notices, drawings and particulars indicating the proposals are available for inspection at multiple locations including Limerick City and County Council offices on Merchant’s Quay and Dooradoyle Road, as well as online via the council’s consultation portal.

Submissions regarding the proposal may be made in writing to the Executive Engineer, City Centre Response Team, Limerick City and County Council, or by email to roads@limerick.ie, or via the MyPoint platform. The deadline for submissions is 4pm on the 15th of May 2026.

Legal Basis for the Proposal

The pedestrianisation initiative is being pursued under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, as amended by Section 46 of the Public Transportation Regulation Act 2009. This legislative framework allows local authorities to implement traffic management measures, including the restriction of vehicle access through physical interventions like bollards.

Expected Benefits and Objectives

The primary objectives of the laneway pedestrianisation include creating safer, more attractive pedestrian routes and enabling spaces for occasional community events, performances, or activations. By removing through traffic, the council aims to improve the quality of the urban environment and support vibrant public life in the city centre.

Locations Under Consideration

While specific laneway identifiers were referenced in official documentation, the council has indicated that the proposals focus on two laneways within Limerick’s city centre area. The exact locations are detailed in the plans available for public inspection at the council’s offices and online portal.

Next Steps

Following the conclusion of the public consultation period on May 15th, 2026, the council will review all submissions before making a final determination on whether to proceed with the installation of bollards and the pedestrianisation of the selected laneways.

As Limerick continues to evolve its urban landscape, initiatives like this pedestrianisation scheme represent ongoing efforts to balance accessibility, safety, and the creation of engaging public spaces for residents and visitors alike.