Tramore roads described as "impassable" for large vehicles
On October 22, an articulated lorry became jammed at the corner of Main Street going on to Queen Street. Image: Derek O'Sullivan.
Fianna Fáil Cllr. Eamon Quinlan has said roads in Tramore have become unworkable for larger vehicles following the town’s pedestrianisation.
On October 22, an articulated lorry became stuck on the corner on the corner of Main Street, unable to move without damaging the bollards separating the road from the pedestrianised areas.
“When Main Street was being partially pedestrianised, a new one-way system for vehicles was unveiled,” Cllr. Quinlan said.
“Displays at public meetings in the local library brought opinions from locals that some of the town's oldest streets were going to be made too tight for large vehicles to get around.
“The one-way nature of much of the towns centre means that once you turn onto Main Street, you have no choice but to just keep going. There has been numerous complaints down through the years of delivery vehicles getting stuck, and hinderance causing blockages and tailbacks in the town centre.
“The requirement to allow some vehicles gain access to the pedestrianised Main Street from the bottom, as some local residents must be given access to their homes means it can get messy at times.”
Cllr. Quinlan said that Tramore’s largely hilly terrain leaves parts of the town unable to fully capitalise on pedestrianisation and implement the “outdoor café culture” seen in John Roberts Square.
He said pedestrianisation makes it more difficult for motorists to commute into the town and leave easily.
“A lot of good has been achieved with the public realm works and every commercial unit is occupied, something that was not the case years ago,” said Cllr. Quinlan.
“I feel it is time to give it a look with fresh eyes, acknowledge what hasn’t worked out the way we wanted and make changes to improve things.
“Our roads department need to review the current situation and move the bollards in the town centre, perhaps widen certain junctions.
“Instead of having areas slimmed down to put off vehicles, going too far to the point of actually getting vehicles stuck, we need to be more fluid.”
