Tipperary community groups clash over proposed public walkway

A proposed public walkway project between Solohead Cross and Limerick Junction has caused some unrest in the community.
The Limerick Junction Residents Association who oppose the project on security grounds and the Solohead GAA Club have clashed over the project.

By the July 12 deadline for public submissions on the project the residents lodged more than 200 objections to the project but they have taken exception to one of the proposals submitted in support of the project

“Needless to say, we were totally shocked by this. Nobody from the GAA club had contacted us to understand our security fears before they wholeheartedly supported the council’s plan to effectively open up the backs of our homes. Our fears for young children and elderly people living alone in our community did not seem to matter enough to our own GAA club. The GAA prides itself on its community base, but the GAA has definitely failed our community by unreservedly backing a council plan that threatens our safety and security” said Noel O’Keeffe, Chairperson of the newly-formed Limerick Junction Residents Association

“This was a missed opportunity for the club to show support for its members and its community, but it decided not to take that opportunity. Instead, they backed the council in a planning application that threatens our safety and security. The decision time for the planning application seems to be during September. We can only hope that Solohead GAA Club will have a change of heart and support its community before it is too late.” concluded the statement from the Limerick Junction Residents Association.

In response Solohead GAA Club also issued a statement on the matter this week.
“The club development plan welcomed the walkway proposal as it would advance the community resource base as well as promoting physical activity and healthy recreational opportunities.
The club executive met on Wednesday 24th of July and this meeting carefully considered the request to withdraw a club submission into the planning process for the proposed walking path. The club recognises and is respectful of the safety concerns highlighted by residents along the proposed route including the proposed route of the walkway at Limerick Junction village. The submission reflected healthy living, physical activity and amenity benefits of the proposed development rather than commentary on the proposed route. The issue of the route direction is a matter for the local authority. The meeting outcome was to issue a public statement respectfully asking that Tipperary County Council carefully consider and address the residents’ concerns rather than a withdrawal of the submission.

Solohead GAA is proud and respectful of all areas in our parish community who are our neighbours, friends and relatives. This week over 60 children will take part in our annual Cul Camp and next Sunday August 11 the club is hosting a Family Fun Day in partnership with our other community organisations. This club continues to play our part to strengthen the local parish community and whilst the planning process is underway the club do not intend to comment further on the walking path way proposal,” said the club statement.