Councillors Call for Slipway to Alleviate Castletroy Traffic Chaos

City councillors in Limerick are advocating for the construction of a slipway on Groody Road to ease significant traffic congestion, particularly in light of a new student housing development. This project, expected to provide 1,400 new bed spaces for students, is situated on the “wrong side” of the Dublin to Limerick Road, according to Fine Gael councillor Peter Doyle.

During the November 2023 Metropolitan District meeting, Cllr Doyle emphasised the importance of ensuring that financial contributions from the Development Contribution Scheme be earmarked specifically for the proposed slip road connecting the new development to the Dublin Road. He expressed optimism about the student accommodation, which is set to consist of five buildings ranging from five to eight stories high, each housing 196-bed clusters.

Cllr Doyle acknowledged the pressing need for student accommodation near the University of Limerick (UL), which currently serves a student population of 19,000 and employs 2,200 staff. He pointed out that the area’s road infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid growth in population and vehicle traffic. “During the academic term, there are 18,000 vehicle movements in and out of the UL campus within a 24-hour period,” he explained.

In particular, Cllr Doyle highlighted the severe congestion experienced on the Dublin to Limerick Road, as well as the R45 from Annacotty to the Parkway, Golf Links Road, and Groody Road during peak hours. The population of Castletroy has surged over the past two decades, making Limerick City East the most populated local electoral area, with 39,653 people recorded in the 2022 Census.

Residents living near Groody Road often find themselves trapped in gridlock during rush hours, especially around the Groody Roundabout on the Dublin Road. Cllr Doyle proposed that a slipway towards Singland would significantly reduce traffic congestion and facilitate smoother travel for commuters heading into Limerick City.

Support for the proposal came from fellow Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely, who urged that the plan be given serious consideration. Cllr Kiely cautioned against inadvertently penalising students who rely on cars for transportation. “UL has its own issues regarding parking, and it could do more to discourage car usage,” she noted.

She also expressed concerns regarding the planning process, stating, “We seem to be doing things after the fact instead of before.” Cllr Kiely’s comments reflect a broader desire among local leaders to address infrastructure challenges in anticipation of future growth.

As discussions continue, the proposed slipway remains a focal point in addressing both congestion and the increasing demand for student housing in the region. The successful integration of this development with necessary infrastructural enhancements could significantly improve the quality of life for both residents and students in Castletroy.