Mayor John Moran Withdraws Plan to Close Key Limerick Access Point

Mayor John Moran has retracted plans to close a significant access point to Limerick city centre, acknowledging that the proposal did not represent “good value for money.” This decision, announced on August 7, 2023, comes as part of the preparations for the city’s upcoming August Animations festival, which aims to enhance urban spaces for cultural and community activities.

The closure was intended for the Crescent area at the top of O’Connell Street, mirroring a similar initiative from the previous year that restricted access around the Daniel O’Connell Monument. Last year’s closure faced criticism from local traders who reported a decline in customer footfall and sales during the summer season.

While initially optimistic, Mayor Moran expressed a change in perspective regarding this year’s plan. “I could not convince myself that paying for what was then planned for this year, especially with the costs of increased manning of road closures, was good value for money,” he stated. His remarks indicate a shift in focus toward fiscal responsibility as the city approaches the festival period.

In an earlier announcement, Mayor Moran had envisioned transforming Limerick during the festival, suggesting a vibrant atmosphere where residents could enjoy outdoor activities. He stated, “Let’s turn a quiet month into something fun and vibrant,” and emphasized the importance of showcasing Limerick’s unique character.

Nevertheless, acknowledging the complexities of implementing the plan, he described the decision to withdraw as “a tactical retreat.” The mayor pointed out that delivering a scaled-back version of the festival, especially with high costs associated with road closures in Georgian Limerick and Irishtown, would not meet the expectations of the community.

While the mayor confirmed the cancellation of the Crescent closure, he reassured the public that alternative activities would still occur throughout August. He indicated that the budget initially allocated for the closure would be redirected to the city’s Festivals and Events team, who will use these funds to enhance programming in other areas of the city centre.

Despite disappointment among some residents who may have anticipated the vibrant changes, Mayor Moran remains committed to the long-term vision of a more animated and welcoming city centre. He noted that ongoing developments, including the Public Realm and Transport Strategies, would soon provide clearer frameworks for future events and street activations.

Moran’s focus is on building a better Limerick for future summers, stating, “This is a mere tactical retreat from our ultimate ambition of making Limerick a better place.” He believes this pause will allow for stronger future planning, fostering continued conversations that stemmed from last summer’s pilot initiatives.

The mayor concluded by emphasizing the importance of dreaming big for Limerick, aiming for a city centre that reflects pride and community spirit. As preparations continue for the August Animations festival, residents can look forward to a range of activities that will celebrate the city’s cultural vibrancy while steering clear of the logistical challenges posed by the halted access point closure.