Limerick City and County Council, in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA), has prepared a Draft Limerick City Centre Transport Plan. The Plan sets out proposals to improve movement, accessibility, and the overall quality of the city centre for residents, workers, businesses, and visitors.
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provide responses to some of the queries that may arise regarding the Draft Plan and its proposals.
FAQs
- Why is Limerick City and County Council preparing a Limerick City Centre Transport Plan?
- What are the main objectives of the Plan?
- How does this Plan relate to LSMATS?
- What is the role of the National Transport Authority (NTA)?
- How does the Plan support Limerick's Public Realm Strategy?
- How does the Plan support the Mayor's Programme?
- Will I still be able to drive into the city centre?
- What is meant by "through-traffic"?
- What is the Superblock Principle?
- How will the Plan improve public transport?
- How will walking and cycling be improved?
- Will parking still be available in the city centre?
- Will disabled parking be affected?
- How will businesses be affected?
- How will deliveries and servicing be managed?
- Will emergency service access be maintained?
- How does the Plan support climate action?
- Will the Plan increase traffic on surrounding streets?
- How will the Plan support the city centre economy?
- What are the expected benefits for residents, businesses and visitors
- When will the Plan be implemented?
- Has public consultation taken place?
- How can I make a submission?
Why is Limerick City and County Council preparing a Limerick City Centre Transport Plan?
The primary purpose of the LCCTP is to provide a considered review of the opportunities for change, and to outline proposals as to how the transport networks can be developed in line with the objectives, policies and proposals set out in the LDP, the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS), and the Mayoral Programme More for Limerick 2024 – 2029. The LCCTP will also support national climate change targets, as outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2025.
What are the main objectives of the Plan?
The Plan aims to:
- Protect the unique character of Limerick by supporting and facilitating revitalisation and consolidation of the city through public realm and place-making initiatives;
- Ensure new and existing residential development is of the highest quality to create sustainable, healthy, inclusive and resilient communities;
- Grow Limerick’s economy and create opportunity through maximising the potential for development through the promotion and enhancement of the competitive advantages of Limerick;
- Transition to an environmentally sustainable carbon neutral economy;
- Provide an appropriate level of road infrastructure, capacity and traffic management, to support existing and future development and enhance connectivity;
- Protect, enhance and connect areas of natural heritage, green infrastructure and open space;
- Protect, conserve and enhance the built and cultural heritage of Limerick; and
- Support growth in the tourism sector in Limerick, specifically focusing on sustainable tourism.
- Reduce car dependency including through traffic and promote and facilitate sustainable modes of transport such as prioritising walking, cycling and public transport;
- The Plan also supports the delivery of key LSMATS projects and complements ongoing investment by the National Transport Authority in sustainable transport infrastructure across Limerick.
How does this Plan relate to LSMATS?
The Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) is the long-term transport strategy for the Limerick-Shannon Area. It identifies a range of transport improvements, including enhanced walking and cycling infrastructure, improved public transport services and measures to support sustainable travel.
What is the role of the National Transport Authority (NTA)?
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for strategic transport planning and investment across Ireland. Many public transport, active travel and sustainable mobility projects within Limerick receive funding and policy support through the NTA.
The City Centre Transport Plan aligns with national transport policy objectives and supports the delivery of NTA-funded improvements aimed at making travel more sustainable, efficient and accessible.
How does the Plan support Limerick's Public Realm Strategy?
The Plan supports the Council's wider Public Realm objectives by helping to create streets and public spaces that are safer, more attractive and more accessible for everyone.
By reducing the impact of unnecessary traffic in key areas, opportunities can be created for enhanced pedestrian environments, improved streetscapes, outdoor activity, landscaping and higher-quality public spaces.
How does the Plan support the Mayor's Programme?
The directly elected Mayor's Programme identifies sustainable mobility, city centre regeneration, climate action and economic development as important priorities for Limerick.
The Draft Limerick City Centre Transport Plan contributes to these objectives by improving accessibility, supporting investment, encouraging sustainable travel choices and enhancing the overall attractiveness of Limerick City Centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest.
Will I still be able to drive into the city centre?
Yes. The plan seeks to reduce unnecessary through-traffic on selected city centre streets, while still maintaining access for those travelling to the city centre. Residents, shoppers, workers, deliveries, emergency services, disabled users and visitors will continue to have access to the city centre which will be fully accessible and open for business.
Motorists will continue to be able to access:
- Shops and businesses
- City centre car parks and On-Street parking
- Loading Bays and & Click & Collect Points
- Hotels and tourism destinations
- Residential properties
- Healthcare and community facilities
- Educational institutions
What is meant by "through-traffic"?
Through-traffic refers to vehicles travelling through the city centre to reach another destination rather than stopping within the city centre itself.
The Plan seeks to reduce unnecessary through-traffic where appropriate on certain streets using the superblock principle, allowing road space to be used more efficiently for public transport, walking, cycling and access to city centre destinations.
What is the Superblock Principle?
A Superblock is a way of managing city streets so that they work better for people, businesses and communities—not just for through-traffic.
Instead of cars using every street as a shortcut, a Superblock limits through-traffic within a defined area, while still allowing local access for residents, deliveries and services.
How it works in practice
Traffic can still enter and exit the area but cannot cut straight through it.
Streets inside the Superblock are quieter and safer, with less congestion.
More space is freed up for:
- Walking and cycling
- Outdoor dining and retail
- Events, play and community use
How will the Plan improve public transport?
The plan supports enhanced bus services, improved journey reliability, bus priority measures and better connections between key destinations, including Colbert Station and the City Centre.
How will walking and cycling be improved?
The plan proposes wider footpaths, improved crossing points, better accessibility, enhanced public spaces, seating, lighting and wayfinding to make walking safer and more enjoyable.
A connected network of cycle routes is proposed, including segregated cycle infrastructure on key streets to provide safer and more convenient cycling for people of all ages and abilities.
These improvements will make active travel safer, more convenient and more attractive.
Will parking still be available in the city centre?
Yes. Limerick City and County Council have commenced a City Centre parking strategy that will provide a clear plan for on street and off street car parking and in the management of the existing and projected on street parking in the short, medium and long term as the proposed phases of the transport plan are implemented.
Parking will continue to play an important role in supporting access to the city centre. Existing public and private car parks will continue to provide parking for shoppers, workers, visitors and residents.
Any changes to on-street parking arrangements will be carefully assessed to ensure an appropriate balance between parking provision, accessibility, public transport improvements and public realm enhancements. The plan seeks to strike an appropriate balance between parking provision, accessibility and the objective of LSMATS, the Mayoral Programme and national transport policy, while ensuring that the city centre remains accessible and economically vibrant.
Will disabled parking be affected?
Accessible parking is a key consideration in the development of the Plan. The Council is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can continue to access city centre services, businesses and facilities.
Any proposed changes will be assessed in consultation with accessibility stakeholders and in accordance with universal design principles.
How will businesses be affected?
The plan aims to create a city centre that attracts more people by improving accessibility, the public realm and the overall visitor experience. Access for servicing and deliveries will remain an important consideration during detailed design.
How will deliveries and servicing be managed?
Access for deliveries and service maintenance will be provided. Maintaining access for servicing and deliveries is recognised as an important requirement and will be addressed in the detailed design of the individual phases.
Will emergency service access be maintained?
Yes. Emergency access will be maintained at all times. The Council has and will continue to engage with emergency service providers throughout the development and implementation of the Plan.
How does the Plan support climate action?
As part of Limerick City and County Council s Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 there is an “Emissions Pathway” for County Limerick. Certain strategic priorities are identified in this such as
- Active Travel and public transport solutions should be prioritised, including consideration of reallocation of road space to these modes of travel, and accessibility.
- The ‘15 Minute Neighbourhoods’ concept is a key priority to address carbon emissions, congestion and air quality issues in Limerick.
By making walking, cycling and public transport more attractive to choices, the plan aims to reduce transport related emission and support national and local climate objectives.
Will the Plan increase traffic on surrounding streets?
The assessment considered how traffic can redistribute across the network. An aim of the plan is not simply to move traffic elsewhere, but to encourage a greater share of journeys to be made by sustainable modes of transport while providing an improved orbital route with greater direct access to Colbert Station.
How will the Plan support the city centre economy?
One of the plans strategic objectives is to grow Limerick’s economy and create opportunity through maximising the potential for development through the promotion and enhancement of the competitive advantages of Limerick.
What are the expected benefits for residents, businesses and visitors
- Safer streets
- Better air quality.
- More travel choices.
- Improved public spaces and opportunities for Public Realm enhancements and activations
- Improved accessibility.
- Improved city centre environment.
- Increased footfall opportunities.
- Better public transport access for customers and employees.
- Easier access to key destinations.
- More attractive city centre experience
When will the Plan be implemented?
Following the Public Consultation process and a review of the submissions received the final plan will be prepared thereafter with or without amendments.
Once the plan has been finalised a phased implementation plan will be developed which will be subject to funding, detailed design and statutory processes and approvals.
Has public consultation taken place?
The public consultation has commenced and is a key part of the Plans development process.
A copy of the Draft Limerick City Centre Transport Plan, associated SEA Environmental Report and Screening for AA Report, is available for public inspection from 23/07/2026 to 12/10/2026 at the following locations:
- Online at www.limerick.ie
- Online consultation portal at https://mypoint.limerick.ie
- Limerick City and County Council, Merchants Quay, Limerick, during normal office hours.
- Limerick City and County Council, Dooradoyle Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick during normal office hours.
- Libraries – Barrow House, Dooradoyle Library, Watch House Cross Library.
The Council welcomes feedback from residents, businesses, community groups, accessibility organisations, transport providers and all interested stakeholders.
How can I make a submission?
Submissions can be made during the public consultation period through the Council's consultation portal, by email or in writing. Details of consultation events and submission deadlines will be published on the Council's website www.limerick.ie.