Tensions over Carrickphierish safety at Waterford District meeting

Tensions were high at the recent meeting of the Metropolitan District of Waterford City and County Council over proposals to manage traffic around local schools. 

Councillors and members of the Waterford Executive clashed over a plan to restrict parking on the main road of Carrickphierish, in line with Section 38. 

According to Waterford Council: "The proposed scheme consists of carriageway narrowing, footpath widening, buildouts, parking restrictions and place-making, including tree pits, flower beds, and colourful school gateway elements along Carrickphierish Road and Paráid na bPáistí, Waterford. 

"The scheme also proposes junction tightening works at the top of Paráid na bPáistí Road, which will include pedestrian crossings on each approach to the junction."

At the meeting, councillors listened to the current developments proposed for Carrickphierish. 

Senior engineer Michael Murphy said: "The Library has had issues itself over parking, parents' parking. The parents picking up or dropping off their children will have to park on the main road at Carrickphierish. 

"That's the proposal, we're looking for an improvement of Carrickphierish Road first."

The development comes from Waterford Council in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Mr Murphy stated that work will "hopefully" be carried out during the impending summer holidays. 

Response

Councillor Seamus Ryan (Labour) said that while he is in favour of safer roads, it could cause a bigger issue for road users. 

"What I'm seeing here is that we might be solving the problem that the school may have, but we're creating a problem for library users. Surely we can come up with some design that doesn't damage one use."

Councillor Joe Kelly (Independent) requested that a slip road near the library be used by a limited number of cars to access the premises. 

Mr Murphy informed the councillors that they do not have the power to vote on amendments to a Section 38 proposal.

At this, Cllr Stephanie Keating compared the current situation to the long-standing road developments in Farronshoneen.

Cllr Keating said: "This is like a déja vu feeling of the situation we have on Farronshoneen Road, believe me, we don't have a say.

"We 'approved' two lanes; we have one lane. It is a major issue for Grace Manor, Farronshoneen, but our engineer says it's not having an impact." 

Cllr John Hearne (Sinn Féin) said "this is nonsense" over the loss of powers.

Cllr Cristíona Kiely (Green Party) spoke on the plan for Carrickphierish: “We may have competing needs here but if we do, the outcome that will keep children safe has to be paramount. The most vulnerable road users on our roads are children.”