Review of traffic flow for Cootehill sought
Efforts to open up back lands in Cootehill town to improve access and traffic flow have reached a stumbling block.
An update on the project, which is an ambition in the Cootehill Area Development Plan, was provided at a municipal district meeting in Cootehill Courthouse last week.
Cllr Stiofán Conaty (SF) had asked for an update on the matter.
He told those gathered that the project would have "benefits" for the town with "very limited access" at the back of established properties and businesses on market street.
Cllr Carmel Brady (FG) agreed that this is an "ongoing issue" in Cootehill, with "some backyards blocking the thoroughfare".
"A lot of engineers have walked up and down [the route]," she remarked.
Director of Services Paddy Connaughton informed the members that the "original thinking" on the project was to "open up the back lands for traffic".
However, it was determined that there is "not enough space to get lorries down". Funding for the project also poses an issue.
"You'd be talking millions," Mr Connaughton estimated, adding that the "drive" for the project "would have to come from the businesses".
"I can't see us driving that," he added.
Traffic flow
Meanwhile Cllr Conaty also sought a review of the traffic flow around the town, with a view to "alleviating the growing pressures" at Connolly's Corner, which is at the junction of the Cavan Road R188 and Bridge Street R190.
"It's hard to believe it's gotten as bad as it has," Cllr Conaty observed, adding that between 3-6pm the junction is "nearly as bad as Virginia".
"There's four different directions out of the junction," he pointed out, describing how there can be a "crazy" traffic block. He pondered if a a "no right turn" system might improve matters.
Cllr Carmel Brady (FG) supported the motion, highlighting how between 8:30-9:30 in the morning is "crazy" with traffic backed out to the first industrial estate. This she stated has led to a "rat race" on the L6051 Ashfield road to Clara Lane at the soccer field, with "inlets" requested on this route to deal with the volume of traffic, which is unable to pass in a two-way system.
She also said the hedges need to be cut with "road repair" also requested.
Area Manager Clinton Mulligan told those gathered that a Traffic and Transport study took place in 2010 when the estimated costs of work there was €170,000, which was now said to be €350,000. He said the council "continue to monitor" the situation and "explore funding" streams.
Cllr Conaty asked what might happen if a major incident were to take place in the town. He said that any ambulances, fire trucks or first responders could have real difficulty reaching the town's centre. He described this as a "significant issue".