Push to reopen a Limerick Laneway amid calls for public takeover and revitalisation plan

A BID to reinstate a public right of way at Brewery Lane in Newcastle West has gained fresh momentum, with several councillors calling for Limerick City and County Council to take the laneway in charge.

Speaking after the November meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District, Cllr Jerome Scanlan said he and district cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Collins had both tabled motions seeking to reopen the lane, which links Murphy’s Arch to the former SuperValu premises on Maiden Street.

The passageway, once a popular shortcut between Maiden Street and the Market Yard in Newcastle West, has been closed for a relatively short period because it remains in private ownership.

Cllr Scanlan said reopening the lane would restore valuable connectivity in the town and unlock “real potential” for small craft shops and neighbouring businesses. However, he acknowledged concerns from nearby residents about anti-social behaviour at night, particularly given the presence of a late-night venue with access onto the lane.

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Cllr Francis Foley added that when open, the laneway was especially useful for bus passengers arriving into the Market Yard, giving them safe and direct access onto Maiden Street.

Cllr Collins said the route could become “a fabulous public realm project” in future, and requested that council officials prepare research for the next meeting on what funding schemes could support new lighting, resurfacing and CCTV should the lane be brought back into public use.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme