Residents and business owners along the Mulgrave Street route had previously protested but after consultation with city council officials most are satisfied that concerns will be addressed i.e. that disc parking will remain in place for off-peak hours and that St Dymphna's Terrace will be excluded from the route.

The bus lane will only be in operation between 7.30am and 9.30am and 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

There will also be a variety of improvement works along each route including wider footpaths, extra parking spaces, new street lighting and better quality bus stops.

Cllr Maria Byrne said that she agrees “in principle” with the plans but asked that commitments to local people be put in writing.

Cllr Diarmuid Scully added that the Mulgrave Street route was “contentious” but commended Director of Service for Transport and Infrastructure, Pat Dromey, and his staff for their consultation work.

Cllr Pat Kennedy said that not enough consultation was done but he welcomed the fact that the council “has adapted the programme” and commended local people for their input.

However, councillors raised concerns at the cost of the Ennis Road route-which works out at €1,700 a metre-and also called for talks to be arranged with Bus Éireann to ensure that there will be enough buses provided to make the most of the new measures.

In comparison to Dublin (€200m) and Cork (€40m), Limerick City has spent less than €1m on bus priority measures-a fact criticised by Mayor Kevin Kiely.

The €20m 'Green Route' plan also envisages bus lanes along a range of other city routes.

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