A €20m 'green' routes scheme, to reduce Limerick's traffic congestion, must be pushed forward, the Green Party has warned city councils.

Green member James Nix has also said a low-energy transport system for the city should receive greater consideration by elected representatives.

Solutions such as improved public transport, car-pooling and cycling should be brought to the forefront, according to Mr Nix.

The Green Party has produced a five-point plan to encourage the Green Routes programme to get back on track.

"Limerick cannot afford to have plans for low-energy transport stuck on red until oil reaches $250 a barrel; there's an onus on Councillors to act in the interests of the whole city instead of turning away €20m in capital investment," said Mr Nix.

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Part of the plans include residents-only parking along green routes, as well as a push for the public bus system in the city to publish statistics on arrivals times.

An expansion of current bus and cycle lanes has also been recommended by the Greens. This would include a widening of all lanes to four and a half metres.

Green routes should also be opened up for car-share groups, during peak traffic times.

Mr Nix said Limerick city is lagging behind other populated areas, in its approach to public transport.

"Bus Eireann Limerick can only carry 1,650 passengers at any one time with just 27 buses. Galway on the other hand has 20 per cent more buses than Limerick and can cater for over 2,000 passengers, despite its smaller population," said the Green member.

He warned: "Because of the recent impasse Limerick stands to lose out on up to €20m in Government funding earmarked for Green Routes."

"With a tightening evident across the economy, our councillors would be acting against Limerick's interests to turn away this investment," Mr Nix added.

(PR/JM)