A key street in Limerick city is set to be redeveloped to bring new life to the area and position pedestrians as the focus of the area.

The redevelopment of O'Connell street will include the provision of street furniture and associated features, construction of wider footpaths and pedestrian areas, and the introduction of a shared surface and new bus lane.

Led by Limerick City and County Council, the project is being delivered to make the street primarily pedestrian priority.

Unveiling the plans, Maria Donoghue, Architect and Head of Design and Delivery Department with Limerick City and County Council, said: "The O'Connell Street Revitalisation Project places pedestrians at the centre of our vision. The street will be a designated 'pedestrian priority' area whereby pedestrians can move with more ease through the street, parking will be removed and footpaths widened and the speed limit will be reduced to 30km/hour.

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"Following significant consultation with key stakeholders and the general public the proposals for O'Connell Street have evolved to ensure that there is the flexibility to adapt to the inevitable changes in future movement and use patterns.

"We want citizens, businesses and groups to take advantage of the enhanced public realm we are offering - O'Connell Street will become a destination, not a thoroughfare. With the wider footpaths, high quality street furniture, reduced traffic volumes and enhanced landscaping, this will become a more comfortable environment for Limerick's citizens and visitors to animate this new backdrop with the vibrancy we want it to facilitate, and participate in urban life such as on-street cafes and outdoor exhibitions or performances."

As well as creating a destination for pedestrians, the scheme also aligns with the aims of the recently launched Climate Action Plan in June as it promotes sustainable modes of movement such as walking, cycling and public transport. This approach will contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions in the city and promote sustainable forms of movement including a significantly increased pedestrian space together with a shared cycling that encourages further reduction in car usage.

The project will also create a backdrop to a more positive engagement with the city through much-reduced traffic volumes, greater cyclist and bus accessibility, wider and improved footpaths, reduction in urban clutter, increased landscaping and trees.

It is proposed that the project will be tabled for decision at the September meeting of the Metropolitan District of Limerick.

Work is expected to commence on this long awaited project in early 2020.

(CM/MH)